The Soccer Dispatch

The Soccer Dispatch

🇹🇷 Turkish football has descended into complete chaos and Fenerbahce want out

Pitch invasions, violence, referee strikes... this season has been mayhem in Turkey!

Graham Ruthven's avatar
Graham Ruthven
Apr 04, 2024
∙ Paid

In any other season, the title race between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray would have been the dominant story in the Turkish Super Lig this term.

Two points is all that separates the two Istanbul rivals with just seven fixtures of the 2023/24 campaign left to play.

Both teams could finish with over 100 points. The Intercontinental Derby scheduled for the penultimate game could decide where the trophy ends up.


Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to The Soccer Dispatch if you aren’t already one!

Every paid membership allows me to produce a better newsletter. Your support means a lot!

20% off for 12 months!


This season, however, hasn’t been like any other season. Indeed, this season in Turkey has been one of violence, protests, forfeits and mayhem - complete mayhem.

Turkish football is tearing itself apart. Referees don’t want to officiate matches. Fans are attacking players on the pitch. It’s not even certain that one of the two title challengers will still be in the league next season.

How did this happen?!

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Graham Ruthven.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 The Soccer Dispatch · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture