Turkey's Sports Scene Shaken by Drug Probe

In a surprising turn of events, the chairman of Fenerbahce, a top sports club in Turkey, was recently questioned as part of a broader drug investigation.

Key Details

• Sadettin Saran, who holds both Turkish and U.S. citizenship, gave his statement in Istanbul after returning from an overseas trip.
• He provided hair and blood samples at a medical facility.

Ongoing Investigation

• The investigation, which began in December, has already led to the detention of over a dozen individuals.
• Those detained include TV news anchors, journalists, singers, actors, and social media influencers.
• Charges involve drugs and prostitution, with many undergoing blood and hair tests for narcotics.

Saran's Involvement

• Saran, born in Denver and appointed as Fenerbahce’s chairman in September, was questioned about his possible role in providing and facilitating narcotics.
• After submitting his medical samples, he returned to the courthouse and was released under judicial conditions.

Fenerbahce's History

• Based in Istanbul, Fenerbahce is one of Turkey’s most popular and successful sports franchises.
• In 2012, the club’s former president, Aziz Yildirim, spent over a year in jail on match-fixing charges before being acquitted in a retrial.

Broader Implications

• The investigation reveals the darker side of Turkey’s entertainment and sports industries.
• It underscores that even high-profile figures are subject to the law.
• The case emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability across all sectors.