02.01.2026 13:05
Fenerbahçe football player Mert Hakan Yandaş, who was arrested as part of a betting investigation, thanked his fans and supporters in a letter he wrote from prison. Yandaş expressed his belief that they would overcome difficult days together, stating, "Now, with our unity of fate, we are getting through these tough days by embracing each other and healing our wounds, and we will come out of here much stronger. Because all of our consciences are very at ease and our heads are held high. I ask for forgiveness from everyone I have hurt or been angry with until today."
(ANKARA) - Among the football players arrested as part of the betting investigation, Mert Hakan Yandaş thanked Fenerbahçe fans and those who supported him in a letter he wrote from prison. In his letter, Yandaş stated, "My Yunus, my Apom, my Orkun, and my young, pure brothers aged 18-20; while we saw each other only as rivals and perhaps got angry with each other, we realized that life has put us in a position to do everything for each other. Now, with our shared fate, we are overcoming these difficult days by embracing each other and healing our wounds, and we will emerge from here much stronger. Because all of our consciences are very at ease and our heads are held high. May everyone I have hurt or angered until today forgive me."
WROTE A LETTER FROM PRISON
The letter sent from prison by Fenerbahçe football player Mert Hakan Yandaş, who was arrested as part of the betting investigation in football, was shared on his social media account. In his letter, Yandaş expressed the following: "First of all, I wish everyone a happy new year. Although I feel the sadness of entering the new year away from my family, I sincerely wish that you spend a year filled with love, peace, and health with your family.
"I HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE A PART OF ANYTHING THAT WOULD BOW THE HEAD OF THE FENERBAHÇE COMMUNITY"
During the time I wore the Fenerbahçe jersey, I have always been at the forefront in every struggle and did my best for my club. But I have not been, nor will I be, a part of anything that would bow the head of either myself or you, the great Fenerbahçe community. I thank the Fenerbahçe fans infinitely for being by my side during perhaps the hardest days of my life. Your support keeps me standing tall here.
"ALL OF OUR CONSCIENCES ARE VERY AT EASE AND OUR HEADS ARE HELD HIGH"
Outside, we shared a dry piece of bread and water from the same bottle with my brothers, who are our rivals. Along with one of these brothers, Metehan, we experienced a terrifying atmosphere of uncertainty for three long, endless days. My Yunus, my Apom, my Orkun, and my young, pure brothers aged 18-20; while we saw each other only as rivals and perhaps got angry with each other, we realized that life has put us in a position to do everything for each other. Now, with our shared fate, we are overcoming these difficult days by embracing each other and healing our wounds, and we will emerge from here much stronger because all of our consciences are very at ease and our heads are held high. May everyone I have hurt or angered until today forgive me. My brothers here are entrusted to me, and we are entrusted to you."