Fenerbahce chief Sadettin Saran sentenced over illegal betting before club election | OneFootball

Fenerbahce president Sadettin Saran has been sentenced to two years and six months over illegal betting charges, days before the club’s Extraordinary Elective General Assembly this weekend.

According to Goal.com, an Istanbul court handed prison terms to Saran and his brother, Alan Kenan, and imposed individual fines of around £9,000. The pair did not attend the hearing at the Istanbul 23rd Criminal Court of First Instance.

The indictment alleged illegal gambling adverts were aired during a football match on a platform within Saran’s media group. The Turkish Football Federation’s legal representative sought punishment, while the defence argued for acquittal. Co-defendants Emre Eren and Azade Zeynep Haksal were acquitted.

Saran’s lawyer, Serdar Yigit, said they welcome the acquittals for Saran Group executives, and noted the rulings against Sadettin and Kenan are not final and will be appealed. His team expects the decision to be overturned. He added that all legal remedies will be pursued.

Fenerbahce now face an extraordinary boardroom vote this weekend. They finished second on 74 points last season, three behind champions Galatasaray. Saran is not seeking re-election, with the contest set between former chief Aziz Yildirim and challenger Hakan Safi.

Source: Goal.com