Fenerbahçe's Yıldırım Accuses Saran of Mismanaging Funds

Fenerbahçe President Aziz Yıldırım publicly criticized former president Sadettin Saran and his administration during the club's ordinary financial and administrative general assembly. Yıldırım alleged financial mismanagement, specifically regarding club assets and a player transfer, while the assembly also discussed Fenerbahçe's escalating debt and annual expenditures.

Club Debt Reaches €592 Million

The general assembly, held on September 28, 2026, underscored Fenerbahçe's severe financial challenges. The club's debt surged to €592 million by September 21, 2025, according to Barış Göktürk, Fenerbahçe's Deputy Chairman. This figure represents a substantial rise, placing significant pressure on the club's financial stability.

Annual Spending Exceeds Income

Fenerbahçe's annual expenditures hit €611 million, outpacing its annual income of €457 million in Euro terms. This spending pattern created a deficit of approximately €180 million for the 2025-2026 season, marking the highest expenditure in the club's history. Göktürk described the debt increase as "horrific."

Allegations of Asset Mismanagement

Yıldırım specifically accused Saran's administration of mismanaging club assets. He claimed the Fenerbahçe University was leased for 10 years, effectively transferring ownership away from the club. Yıldırım stated, "They leased Fenerbahçe University for 10 years. But the university no longer belongs to Fenerbahçe. There is an appropriation of Fenerbahçe's property here." He also cited a problematic €400,000 agreement.

Transfer Fee Controversy

Another point of contention involved the transfer of player Nesyri. Yıldırım asserted that former president Ali Koç acquired Nesyri for €19.5 million, with €6 million remaining on the transfer fee. He claimed Saran's administration failed to pay an installment due in April, leading to a FIFA transfer ban notice on June 15. Yıldırım stated his current administration paid the first installment and would pay the second, directly accusing Saran's team of spending the funds: "You took the money, you spent it. Come and say like a man, 'We spent this money.'"

Early Revenue Collection and Mortgaged Assets

Göktürk detailed several instances of early revenue collection and mortgaged assets under Saran's tenure. These included €24 million from the Chobani Stadium naming rights and jersey revenues, €8 million received early from Adidas, and a five-year commitment to Passo, which mortgaged €4.5 million. Additionally, €7 million was taken as an advance from QNB, and the entire 1907 Tribune was sold, with all these funds reportedly spent.

Financial Outlook and Future Challenges

Fenerbahçe faces a challenging financial future given its substantial debt and consistent operational deficit. The club's ability to generate sufficient revenue to cover its high expenditures remains a critical concern. Future administrations will need to implement stringent financial controls and explore new income streams to address the current fiscal imbalance and prevent further asset erosion.