Portuguese coach José Mourinho has launched legal proceedings against Turkey before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), arguing in particular that his right to freedom of expression was violated when he was managing the Turkish team Fenerbahçe, it was learned on Thursday.

According to the ECHR, the Portuguese man filed a request in March 2025 against sanctions imposed on him at the end of 2024 by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) for "unsportsmanlike" statements and behavior targeting supporters of an opposing team and referees of a Turkish league match.

The Turkish Football Federation's disciplinary committee had sentenced him to a one-match suspension and two fines totaling approximately 18,000 euros.

"Relying on Article 6 §1 of the Convention, the applicant argues that the dispute in question was not settled by an independent and impartial tribunal," the ECHR wrote in a statement of facts dated May 13.

The Portuguese coach, who claims that the TFF's reasoned decision was never notified to him, "further complains that his right to freedom of expression has been infringed by the sanctions imposed," the European Court states.

The ECHR deemed the request admissible and addressed a series of questions to the Turkish authorities.

Having arrived in Istanbul in June 2024, the self-proclaimed "Special One" was dismissed by Fenerbahçe in August 2025. The Portuguese, who has been coaching Benfica Lisbon, could take over the reins of Real Madrid in the coming days.

AFP