Galatasaray announced that it has suspended its two-year sponsorship contract amounting to $3.15 million annually. This totals to $14.06 million for two seasons with Serwin Global Solutions until allegations and related information are clarified.
The Turkish football club released a statement explaining that it has paused its sponsorship deal promoting the digital sports news platform meritking.news. Until the club receives more clarification about the claims and documents related with the deal, the suspension will remain in effect.
Galatasaray stated that they have suspended the sponsorship agreements with Serwin Global Solutions SDN BHD until the information and claims provided to them are clarified. They will ensure that their collaborations continue to protect the interests of the club.
This move comes amid the controversy surrounding Galatasaray’s decision to feature Meritking.news as a sponsor. This occurred during a previous match against Caykur Rizespor. The sponsorship drew criticism because of allegations associating the website to illegal betting activities.
Numerous social media users voiced their concerns over the association with a site allegedly attached to an illegal gambling platform. Niyazi Yelkencioglu, the Vice President of Galatasaray defended the position of the club. He states that the deal was with the news portal alone and not with any illegal betting operations.
Yelkencioglu emphasized that the club added a clause to the contract. This clause allows for unilateral termination if any illegal gambling content is discovered. He reassured that both the club’s legal team and external experts thoroughly reviewed the contract.
Galatasaray highlighted the financial benefits of the deal in spite of the backlash. The club valued the sponsorship at $3.15 million annually over two seasons. It intended the sponsorship to cover the men’s football team’s appearances in the Türkiye Trendyol Super League and the Türkiye Ziraat Cup.
