Jose Mourinho files complaint to European human rights court over Turkish football ban

Jose Mourinho has lodged a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) concerning disciplinary sanctions he received during his tenure as coach of Turkish club Fenerbahce.

The Strasbourg-based court confirmed on 1 June that it has accepted the Portuguese coach’s application and has requested observations from the Turkish government.

Mourinho is challenging a 600,000 Turkish lira (£9705) fine and a one-match ban from the dressing room and bench area, which were imposed by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) in November 2024.

The federation penalised Mourinho for alleged unsportsmanlike conduct towards rival fans during a match, as well as for subsequent press comments criticising refereeing standards.

In his appeal, the 63-year-old argues that his right to a fair trial was breached, contending that the TFF’s disciplinary and arbitration committees lack independence from the football federation’s president and board of directors.

He further alleges a violation of his right to a reasoned decision, claiming the federation failed to provide formal justification for its verdict. Mourinho also asserts that the penalties infringed upon his right to free speech, punishing him for expressing his views on the referees.

The ECHR has asked Turkish authorities to address whether the football panels constituted an independent and impartial tribunal, and if they appropriately balanced Mourinho’s right to free speech against the sports federation’s interests.

After departing Fenerbahce following their Champions League play-off defeat in August, Mourinho joined Portuguese giants Benfica.

He led them to a unbeaten season in Portugal’s top division, but this was only enough to secure third place behind Porto and Sporting Lisbon.

He has been heavily linked with a return to Real Madrid this summer, with Marco Silva expected to replace him at Benfica after leaving Fulham.

Mourinho previously spent three seasons at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey with the Spanish giants.

Following his first spell in Madrid, Mourinho went on to rejoin Chelsea before going on to manage Manchester United and Tottenham.

He also had a stint at Roma, and won the Conference League with the Serie A club in 2022.