Portuguese football coach Jose Mourinho has taken legal action against Turkey at Europe's highest human rights court, alleging that his right to freedom of expression was violated during his tenure as manager of the Turkish club Fenerbahce.
Lawsuit Filed at European Court of Human Rights
The lawsuit was filed at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in March 2025, nearly six months before Mourinho was dismissed by the Super Lig club after it failed to secure a spot in the Champions League. Court documents reviewed by AFP on Thursday reveal that the Portuguese coach is contesting the "disciplinary sanctions" imposed on him by the Turkish Football Federation for what was deemed "unsportsmanlike conduct."
Details of the Sanctions
The sanctions stem from remarks Mourinho made in November 2024 about supporters of a rival team and Turkish referees. These comments resulted in a match ban and two fines totaling approximately $21,000. In his complaint, Mourinho argues that the disciplinary process violated his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.
According to an ECHR document dated May 13, Mourinho claims under Article 6 of the convention that "the dispute in question had not been determined by an independent and impartial tribunal." He also asserts that he was "not notified" about the Turkish Football Federation's decision. Additionally, under Article 10, he contends that his "right to freedom of expression was infringed by the sanctions imposed."
ECHR Accepts Complaint
The European Court of Human Rights has accepted the complaint and has posed a series of questions to the Turkish authorities, seeking clarification on the matter. This legal move marks a significant escalation in Mourinho's dispute with Turkish football authorities.
Mourinho's Tenure at Fenerbahce
When Mourinho arrived in Istanbul in June 2024, the self-proclaimed 'Special One' received a rockstar's welcome from fans dressed in Fenerbahce's yellow and black colors. However, he failed to fulfill his ambition of ending the club's title drought, which has persisted since 2014. After 14 months, he was shown the door.
Since leaving Fenerbahce, Mourinho has been coaching the Portuguese club Benfica. However, reports suggest he could return in the coming days to take over Real Madrid, a club he previously managed between 2010 and 2013.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between Mourinho and Turkish football authorities, as the coach seeks to clear his name and uphold his right to free speech.
