Tensions are rising in Turkey ahead of the derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, scheduled for this Sunday, April 26, with fresh controversy emerging over the potential availability of Victor Osimhen.
According to reports shared by journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, Fenerbahçe have formally requested the Turkish Football Federation to prevent Osimhen from taking part in the match.
The club’s concern centers on the protective equipment worn by the Nigerian forward, particularly his arm brace, which they claim could pose a risk to opposing players.
Fenerbahçe’s medical staff are reportedly preparing a detailed assessment of materials permitted under IFAB regulations to support their position.
Osimhen has been wearing a protective forearm splint following a fractured right forearm that required surgery.
The device is designed to immobilise his wrist and forearm while the bone continues to heal.
He has already made his return to action, coming off the bench in Galatasaray’s 2-0 loss to Genclerbirligi, his first match since the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match against Liverpool.
Off the pitch, the build up to the derby has been just as intense as the football itself, with both clubs exchanging strong statements on social media.
Fenerbahçe posted on X:
“Don’t you dare bring on the yellow…
Don’t you dare show the red…
Don’t you dare go to VAR…
Don’t you dare give a penalty…
Don’t you dare open up certain topics
‘Don’t you dare…’
All season long, all your critical positions were on hold.
Now it’s ‘relationships on hold’…
Is it this match’s turn?”
Galatasaray responded shortly after, writing:
“What’s up? Did you make the appointment together? The first message came from you…”
Fenerbahçe then replied:
“A person judges others by their own character.”
The atmosphere has further escalated after Galatasaray announced that it has suspended all relations with the TFF, because of the appointment of Yasin Kol as referee.
The club stated:
“All relations with the Turkish Football Federation under its current management have been suspended as of today.”
The upcoming clash carries significant title implications.
Also read: Victor Osimhen Pushing to Be Ready for Fenerbahçe Clash
Galatasaray sit at the top of the table with 71 points, while Fenerbahçe are second with 67 points.
With only three matches remaining after the derby, both sides are aware that there is no margin for error.
Their last meeting in the Turkish Super Lig ended in a 1-1 draw, a match heavily policed with around 30,000 security personnel deployed and heightened tensions both on and off the pitch, including a heated on pitch altercation during pre match warm ups.
With the title race finely poised and emotions already running high, Sunday’s encounter is shaping up to be one of the most decisive and closely watched derbies in recent memory.
