Fenerbahçe's Saran released under judicial control amid narcotics probe
Baku, December 25, AZERTAC
Fenerbahçe President Sadettin Saran was released under judicial control on Thursday after giving hours of testimony in Türkiye’s widening narcotics investigation, easing immediate uncertainty around one of the country’s most powerful football institutions but leaving serious legal and reputational questions unresolved, the Daily Sabah reported.
Saran, a prominent Turkish-American media executive and chairman of Saran Holding, had been taken into custody late Wednesday by Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command teams as part of an investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The probe, which has already ensnared high-profile figures from the media and entertainment sectors, expanded sharply into the sports world with the detention of the Fenerbahçe president just three months into his tenure.
After undergoing a routine health check, Saran was transferred to the Çağlayan Courthouse early Thursday morning.
His testimony before prosecutors lasted approximately two hours, after which authorities ordered his release under judicial control.
Legal sources said the measures include ongoing restrictions as the investigation continues.
In a written statement, the prosecutor’s office said Saran had been detained on suspicion of “supplying narcotics,” “facilitating drug use,” and “personal drug use,” citing newly obtained forensic findings, digital communications and witness statements added to the case file.
At the heart of the case are forensic results indicating that cocaine metabolites were detected in Saran’s hair samples.
Blood, urine and nail tests conducted earlier returned negative results, a discrepancy authorities say may reflect exposure over a longer time frame, as hair analysis can detect substance traces weeks or months after use.
Saran has categorically denied ever using narcotics.
In a statement shared on social media following his release, he said he had “never used the substance alleged in the test results,” insisting he had never even seen it up close.
He added that he had formally requested a repeat analysis through prosecutors and voluntarily underwent additional testing at a private laboratory in Istanbul.
“I am not perfect, but I have not committed a crime,” Saran said. “Wherever the state calls us, we go. We have nothing to hide.”
He also announced plans to file criminal complaints over what he described as defamatory content circulating online, accusing unnamed individuals of attempting to damage his reputation.
Fenerbahçe Sports Club confirmed shortly after the detention that Saran had been taken into custody from the club’s presidential offices.
In its statement, the club emphasized respect for judicial institutions and expressed confidence in the legal process.
“Our belief is unwavering that our president will overcome this period with composure and resilience,” the club said, adding that administrative and sporting operations would continue uninterrupted.
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