23.02.2025 13:40
Fenerbahçe submitted an appeal to the Turkish Swimming Federation against Galatasaray, which became the Turkish champion in open age men's category in 2023, on the grounds that they improperly competed with Doğa Çelik. After a four-month investigation, it was reported that the federation disqualified Galatasaray and that the trophy would be awarded to Fenerbahçe.
The rivalry between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe continues in all sports, especially in football. It is rumored that a trophy won by Galatasaray in swimming will be given to the yellow-navy team following Fenerbahçe's complaint about irregularities to the Turkish Swimming Federation.
GALATASARAY DISQUALIFIED FOR COMPETING WITH AN IRREGULAR ATHLETE After Galatasaray became the champion in the open age men's category at the 2023 Turkish Inter-Club Swimming Championship, Fenerbahçe claimed that the yellow-reds had competed with an irregular athlete and filed an objection to the Turkish Swimming Federation (TYF). According to information obtained from the corridors, the Turkish Swimming Federation has completed its 4-month investigation. Accordingly, the TYF decided that Galatasaray had competed with Doğa Çelik irregularly, and the yellow-reds were disqualified.
Doğa Çelik TROPHY WILL BE GIVEN TO FENERBAHÇE It was noted that the TYF communicated its decision to Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe. It was emphasized that the final decision on the matter would be made by the Arbitration Board, and if there was no result in favor of Galatasaray, the trophy would go to Fenerbahçe.
WHAT HAPPENED? In the instructions for the Turkish Arena Inter-Club Long Course Youth and Open Age Swimming Championship and Stars Individual Swimming Competition held from August 4-8, 2023, it was stated that only athletes with a 2022-2023 visa license could participate in the competitions. However, it was noted that Doğa Çelik, who participated in the races on behalf of Galatasaray, had his visa expire on September 30, 2022. In its objection on October 7, 2024, Fenerbahçe requested the disqualification of Doğa Çelik, the cancellation of the points awarded to Galatasaray, the re-evaluation of team scores, and the announcement of the Turkish champion.
According to the Turkish Swimming Federation's investigation, it was revealed that Doğan Çelik had participated in 17 competitions within 2 years. It was learned that Çelik received a bronze medal in the 100 freestyle individual race. As a result of the disqualifications, Galatasaray, which became the champion in the open age men's category with 264.5 points, had 60 points deducted, and subsequently, 10 points were added to Fenerbahçe. Fenerbahçe, which finished the championship in second place with 243 points, rose to 253 points, while Galatasaray's points were reduced to 204.5.