Former Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has taken his dispute with Turkish football authorities to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), claiming disciplinary sanctions imposed on him violated his right to freedom of expression.
Court documents reviewed by AFP show Mourinho filed the lawsuit in March 2025, challenging penalties handed down by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) over comments he made in November 2024 regarding rival supporters and Turkish referees.
The sanctions included a match suspension and fines totaling about $21,000 for what the federation described as unsportsmanlike conduct.
According to the case documents, Mourinho argues under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights that the disciplinary process was not handled by an independent and impartial tribunal. He also claims he was not properly notified of the federation's decision.
Under Article 10, the former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid coach contends that the sanctions infringed on his right to freedom of expression.
The ECHR has accepted the complaint and formally requested responses from Turkish authorities.
Mourinho joined Fenerbahce in June 2024 to widespread fanfare, with supporters hoping he would end the club's long wait for a league title. However, the Portuguese manager failed to deliver the Super Lig crown or secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League, leading to his departure 14 months later.
The 63-year-old is currently managing Portuguese giants Benfica, although reports have linked him with a potential return to Real Madrid, where he coached between 2010 and 2013.
The outcome of the case could have wider implications for freedom of expression and disciplinary procedures in football governance.
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