Former Fenerbahçe S.K. manager José Mourinho has filed a case against Turkey at the European Court of Human Rights, alleging that disciplinary sanctions imposed on him while coaching the Turkish club violated his right to freedom of expression.

Court documents reviewed by AFP on Thursday showed that Mourinho lodged the complaint in March 2025, several months before his eventual departure from Fenerbahce after the club failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

The case centres on sanctions imposed by the Turkish Football Federation following comments Mourinho made in November 2024 concerning rival supporters and Turkish referees.

The Portuguese coach was handed a match suspension alongside fines totalling approximately $21,000 for what authorities described as “unsportsmanlike conduct.”

According to documents from the European Court of Human Rights, Mourinho argued under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights that the case against him was not handled by “an independent and impartial tribunal.”

He also claimed he was not properly informed about the Turkish Football Federation’s ruling.

Under Article 10 of the Convention, Mourinho further alleged that the disciplinary measures infringed on his freedom of expression.

The court has accepted the application and requested responses from Turkish authorities regarding the complaints.

Mourinho joined Fenerbahce in June 2024 to widespread excitement among supporters, who hoped he would end the club’s league title drought dating back to 2014.

However, despite high expectations, the former Real Madrid CF, Chelsea F.C., and Manchester United F.C. manager failed to secure major success during his stint in Turkey and left the club after 14 months.

Reports also suggest Mourinho is currently coaching Portuguese side Benfica and could potentially return to Real Madrid in the near future, having previously managed the Spanish giants between 2010 and 2013.