Ergin Ataman Sparks Fenerbahce's Player Boycott

Ergin Ataman, the national coach sparked controversy prompting Fenerbahce a Turkish basketball team to announce that they will not allow their players to join the national team. Ataman, who has led the Turkish national team since 2022 and also took over at Greek club Panathinaikos in 2023, ignited controversy during a friendly match between Panathinaikos and Galatasaray.

While attending the game, Ataman made a public gesture that referenced Galatasaray’s recent 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig, raising one finger followed by three fingers. The gesture prompted outrage from Fenerbahce leading the club to express their disapproval. In response, Ataman issued an apology for his “unplanned” celebration, insisting that he did not intend to target or offend any community.

He stated, “I am a coach who expresses my respect for the Fenerbahce community at every opportunity but underlines that I am one of their biggest rivals on the field.” Ergin Ataman also acknowledged the discomfort his actions caused among Fenerbahce supporters and expressed regret for how his behavior was perceived. Despite Ataman’s apology, Fenerbahce made it clear that their players would not participate in national team duties.

They will maintain this stance as long as he remains in charge. In a statement, the club said that Ataman’s actions “stand in complete opposition to the dignity and identity of the national team head coach position.” They emphasized that the national team belongs to everyone and criticized Ataman for allegedly trying to appease one community at the expense of another.

Turkey will face Hungary in EuroBasket qualifiers on November 22 and 25 but the dispute may impact player availability.