Fenerbahçe Club has held talks with the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) to request a reduction in the 12-month ban imposed on its player, Mert Hakan Yandaş. The experienced midfielder, who was released following a betting investigation, was handed a severe penalty by the federation last week.
While Mert Hakan's penalty has sparked debate within the sports community and among fans, it has been reported that the Fenerbahçe management will stand by its player throughout this process and pursue all legal avenues.
The player's lawyers have filed the necessary applications for the decision to be re-evaluated by the arbitration board, while club officials are also hoping for the penalty to be mitigated before the federation.
'WHAT DID HE SAY?'
Making a statement on his social media account following the penalty, Mert Hakan Yandaş expressed the following: 'My lawyers and elders tell me to wait for the arbitration process. I have been chosen as a scapegoat once. I know my sentence has been passed. I do not believe at all that the unfair and unjust decision made about me will change, but I believe there are people who fear God, and that is why I will make a detailed statement after the arbitration... I hope you consider that I also have a family and that you are not just punishing me...'
All eyes are now turned to the decision that the TFF Arbitration Board will make in the coming days. The Fenerbahçe management remains hopeful that its player will be able to return to the pitch.
News Source: 12punto
