Jose Mourinho files ECHR complaint over free speech and fair trial in turbulent Fenerbahce spell | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho has lodged a case with the European Court of Human Rights, alleging his fundamental rights were breached during his controversial time at Fenerbahce. The Portuguese coach left the club in August 2025 after a turbulent spell.

The complaint challenges disciplinary sanctions for his remarks after Fenerbahce’s win over Trabzonspor in November 2024, when he criticised VAR and the authorities. NTV reports that his appeal was rejected, prompting the 63-year-old to turn to Strasbourg.

In his filing, Mourinho questions the transparency and independence of the Turkish sporting judiciary and says his freedom of expression was violated. He also argues he was denied a fair hearing because no reasoned decision for the ban and fine was served.

The ECHR has processed the application and formally asked Türkiye to submit a defence. The court accepts only a small fraction of cases that meet its criteria, and the TFF and Türkiye’s Ministry of Justice have up to six months to respond.

Mourinho previously lashed out at refereeing standards, calling the VAR official the standout performer and describing the on-field referee as inexperienced. He said his team were facing an entrenched system and claimed he might not have taken the job if fully briefed.

The current Benfica boss is widely expected to be confirmed as Real Madrid manager in the coming weeks, linked to the club’s presidential elections. Further controversy followed when Florentino Perez used him in a video promoting his re-election campaign.

Source: Goal.com