Galatasaray Puts Sponsorship Deal on Hold After Claims of Unlawful Betting

Galatasaray, a top Turkish soccer team, has put its sponsorship agreement with Serwin Global Solutions on hold. The company runs the sports news site Meritking.news. 

Galatasaray Suspends $14 Million Sponsorship Deal Amid Concerns Over Legitimacy

The Turkish soccer club made this call on September 17, 2024. The club did so because of doubts about the accuracy of papers and statements tied to the deal. There were also stories about connections to unlawful betting activities.

The sponsorship agreement valued at $14 million and planned to last two years aimed to showcase Meritking.news during Galatasaray’s home league and cup games. The team’s players had already worn shirts displaying the platform’s logo in their game against Çaykur Rizespor in the Trendyol Süper Lig. But right after the match, issues came up, and Galatasaray decided to put the deal on hold.

In its official statement, Galatasaray explained that it made the decision because of unanswered questions about the information, documents, and other claims related to the sponsorship deal. The club stressed that they look at all partnerships closely to make sure they match Galatasaray’s values and what is best for the club. Galatasaray also said that the sponsorship would stay on hold until these issues were cleared up.

Debate Erupts as Galatasaray Suspends Deal with Meritking.news Over Unlawful Betting Claims

Galatasaray’s decision has sparked debate due to claims that Meritking.news might have ties to unlawful betting operations. These accusations increased the focus on the agreement from rival team Fenerbahçe, which lodged official protests with sports authorities. The team filed these complaints just before a crucial match between the two sides, which added to the stress of their already intense rivalry.

The Vice President of Galatasaray, Niyazi Yelkencioğlu, first stood by the deal. He said the club’s contract was with the news platform and lawyers had checked it. He also mentioned that the agreement let Galatasaray end it if they found any illegal actions. Even with this defense, the club chose to be careful because of the growing debate.

As Galatasaray fans and others in sports wait to see what happens next, the choice to pause the sponsorship has started lots of talks. The club’s leaders have told their fans that all future choices about partnerships will still put the club’s integrity and following the law first.

Galatasaray is a powerhouse in Turkish soccer known for its big wins at home and abroad. The club has racked up a ton of titles, including 24 Süper Lig championships (the most ever), 18 Turkish Cups, and 17 Turkish Super Cups.