Fenerbahce Criticizes EuroLeague Organization After Fan Chaos in Athens

(MENAFN) A senior Fenerbahce official strongly criticized the organization of the EuroLeague Final Four in Athens after thousands of the club’s supporters were reportedly left outside the arena despite holding valid tickets.

According to reports, Cem Ciritci, the Fenerbahce board member overseeing basketball operations, accused organizers of major failures involving security measures and ticket management during the event.

“A Final Four organization is not only about basketball on the court. It is about security, justice, supporter rights, ticketing systems, stand planning and respect shown to visiting fans,” he said.

Reports stated that many Fenerbahce supporters who had traveled to Athens and purchased tickets experienced long delays and confusion while attempting to enter the arena before the semifinal clash against Olympiakos.

“Families were separated, people were left in uncertainty, and the seating plan became chaotic. While Fenerbahce fans were trying to enter the arena, rival supporters were even seen in family sections allocated to our fans,” he added.

Ciritci described the incidents as “unacceptable” and called on EuroLeague authorities to address allegations that nearly 5,000 Olympiakos supporters without tickets were allegedly admitted into the venue.

“We expect a clear, concrete and satisfactory explanation from EuroLeague and the organizers regarding serious allegations publicly voiced by our supporters that around 5,000 ticketless Olympiakos fans were admitted into the arena,” he said.

“If ticketed supporters were left waiting outside while ticketless individuals were allowed inside, then this is no longer a simple organizational failure but a direct violation of supporter rights and a collapse of organizational credibility,” he added.

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