Fenerbahçe - Ergin Ataman crisis grows: Fenerbahçe announces it will not send athletes to the National Team

Following a friendly match between Panathinaikos and Galatasaray, Ergin Ataman made a hand gesture indicating the score of the match in which Galatasaray defeated Fenerbahçe 3-1.

While this gesture became a major topic of discussion, Ergin Ataman shared an apology message on his social media account following the backlash.

Fenerbahçe, however, disregarded Ergin Ataman's apology. Fenerbahçe issued a statement regarding the incident, announcing its decision not to send athletes to the Men's National Basketball Team.

The following statements were used in the announcement made by the club:

The attitude displayed to the public by the individual who is the Head Coach of the Men's National Team, from the stands following his team's match on September 24, 2024, is known to everyone. The actions of this individual, whose character, past conduct, attitude, and style are well-known, in front of millions of viewers are diametrically opposed to the dignity and identity of the "National Team Head Coaching" position. The National Team is the team of us all.

'A GREAT DISRESPECT TO OUR COUNTRY'

Every person who is a part of this team is obliged to act with awareness of this situation and its responsibility. This action is a great disrespect to our community, to the dignity of the National Team coaching position he holds, and even to our country, all in an effort to curry favor with a certain community. His apology statement directed at our community is disregarded by us. As Fenerbahçe Sports Club, we hereby inform the public that we have decided not to send athletes to our Men's National Team as long as this individual, who has overstepped his bounds, remains in this position that requires indispensable qualities such as 'dignity and impartiality'.