27.12.2025 17:55
Mert Hakan Yandaş, the Fenerbahçe player who was arrested in the investigation into allegations of betting and match-fixing in football, wrote a letter to the fans. He stated, "I have not engaged in any actions that would tarnish either our glorious history or the name of Fenerbahçe. Let there be no doubt about that. When I regain my freedom, I will hold my head high again." Yandaş also added, "In the end, when all of this is over and everything has passed, what I will remember is not the voices of my enemies, but the silence and cowardice of my friends."
In the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding allegations of betting and match-fixing in football, Fenerbahçe's captain Mert Hakan Yandaş, who was arrested, addressed the yellow-navy blue fans with a letter he wrote.
'MY HEAD WILL BE HELD HIGH AGAIN'
Mert Hakan Yandaş, who stated, 'I have not engaged in any act that would tarnish our glorious history or the name of Fenerbahçe. Let there be no doubt about this,' expressed his full belief that the judicial authorities will reveal the truth. 'When I regain my freedom, my head will be held high again.'
'WHAT I WILL REMEMBER IS THE SILENCE AND COWARDICE OF MY FRIENDS'
Mert Hakan Yandaş also lamented the absence of his friends during this process, saying, 'Finally, when all this is over and everything has passed, what I will remember is not the voices of my enemies, but the silence and cowardice of my friends.'
Here is the letter Mert Hakan Yandaş wrote to the Fenerbahçe fans:
'Dear Fenerbahçe Family and My Loved Ones;
I am writing these lines to you during one of the hardest times of my life. Although I am currently away from my freedom, my faith, conscience, and honor stand tall.
I sincerely believe that at the end of the legal process against me, justice will reveal the truth as soon as possible. I want you to know that none of the accusations against me reflect any reality. Let there be no doubt that I have not engaged in any act or behavior that would tarnish our glorious history or the name of Fenerbahçe. I have always been aware of the responsibility of wearing the Fenerbahçe emblem on my chest and the Çubuklu on me.
As Mert Hakan Yandaş from Fenerbahçe, I have fought until the last drop every time I stepped onto the field wearing the Yellow-Navy Blue. When we went through tough days, when we were wronged, I did not hesitate to be at the forefront when responsibility needed to be taken.
During these difficult days, my greatest support is my unwavering belief in the rule of law and that justice will meet with conscience. I wholeheartedly believe that the judicial authorities will reveal the truth fairly and conclude this process justly.
The thing that hurts me the most during this process is the sadness of my family, friends, and the people who love me. But I want you to know that when I regain my freedom, my head will be held high again. I thank my family, friends, and loved ones for their support during these difficult days when they did not leave me alone.
Finally, when all this is over and everything has passed, what I will remember is not the voices of my enemies, but the silence and cowardice of my friends. With love and greetings...'