Jose Mourinho has filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights, challenging disciplinary sanctions imposed while he was coaching Turkish club Fenerbahce.
The Strasbourg-based court accepted the application from the Portuguese manager on June 1 and has requested observations from the Turkish government.
Mourinho is contesting a fine of 600,000 Turkish lira-about $13,000-plus a one-match ban from the dressing room and bench area. The Turkish Football Federation imposed those penalties in November 2024 for unsportsmanlike conduct toward rival fans and for critical comments about referees in the press.
In his appeal, Mourinho argues his right to a fair trial was violated because the federation's disciplinary and arbitration committees lack independence from its president and board of directors. He also claims his right to a reasoned decision was breached, as the federation failed to notify him of the formal reasoning behind its verdict. Additionally, he says the penalties violate his right to free speech.
The ECHR has asked Turkish authorities to address whether the football panels provided an independent and impartial tribunal, and whether they properly balanced Mourinho's right to free speech against the federation's interests.
After leaving Fenerbahce following their Champions League playoff defeat in August, Mourinho joined Portuguese side Benfica but has been linked with a return to Real Madrid.