ISTANBUL – Sadettin Saran, the recently elected president of Turkish sports powerhouse Fenerbahce, was taken into custody on Wednesday amid an expanding narcotics investigation that has implicated numerous high-profile figures from Turkey’s entertainment and media sectors. The detention follows forensic analysis that allegedly detected traces of illegal substances in his hair samples, according to state broadcaster TRT.
The investigation, supervised by the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office, has resulted in the detention of over a dozen prominent individuals since early December. Those implicated include television presenters, journalists, musical artists, actors, and social media influencers facing charges ranging from narcotics production and distribution to facilitating prostitution. Many have undergone compulsory blood and hair testing for drug use.
Saran, who holds dual Turkish-American citizenship and was born in Denver, Colorado, had been questioned last week on suspicions of supplying and enabling narcotics consumption. He underwent mandatory testing at a forensic medical facility after providing testimony to prosecutors.
Following his detention, Fenerbahce issued an official statement expressing unwavering support for their president and assuring stakeholders that club operations would continue without disruption. “We maintain complete confidence that our president will navigate this process with the same composure and resilience he has consistently demonstrated,” the club stated via social media platform X.
Saran has publicly contested the forensic findings, maintaining his innocence and pledging to formally request a retest. “I have never used the substance in question,” he declared in a statement released earlier Wednesday.
This incident marks another chapter in Fenerbahce’s history with legal controversies. Former president Aziz Yildirim served over a year in prison in 2012 on match-fixing allegations before being exonerated when a new trial revealed corruption among judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials in the original case. The club currently remains involved in a separate investigation into illegal betting and match-fixing practices within Turkish football.
Fenerbahce stands as one of Turkey’s most successful and popular sports organizations, fielding professional teams not only in football but also basketball, volleyball, athletics, swimming, and numerous other sports.