By Andrew Warshaw
June 18 – Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Besiktas have put their respective searches for a new head coach on hold pending the outcome of match-fixing hearings conducted by Uefa next week.
European football’s governing body will hear cases on June 21 and 22, with both clubs facing the prospect of severe sanctions.
Fenerbahçe have already parted company with Aykut Kocaman with Ersun Yanal the favourite to take over having quit Eskişehirspor. Beşiktaş are looking to replace Samet Aybaba, who resigned last month.
Fenerbahce were banned from the 2011-12 Champions League because of match-fixing and club president Aziz Yildirim jailed for six years, later released on appeal. He was among 93 players and officials arrested for suspected involvement in nationwide the scandal that also involved five other clubs.
Beşiktaş recently served a European competition ban after being suspended from last season’s Europa League over non-payment of players’ wages, violating articles of Uefa’s recently implemented financial fair play regulations.
Last year, the Turkish Football Federation imposed bans of between one and three years on 10 players and officials but did not take action against any clubs. Fenerbahce have just finished second behind Galatarasay, earning them a place in the Champions League