Turkish Football Club initiates legal process to terminate contract of Israeli Player

Antalyaspor, a top-tier Turkish football club, is currently navigating a legal process to terminate the contract of 28-year-old Israeli football player Sagiv Jehezkel, as revealed by Alkan Evren, the Deputy Chairman and press spokesperson of the club. This decision follows Jehezkel’s detainment and subsequent release by the police, as reported by the Turkish state broadcaster, TRT Haber.

In an official statement, Antalyaspor announced the suspension of Jehezkel after he displayed a bandaged wrist bearing a message in support of Israeli hostages last Sunday. TRT Haber confirmed that the player will be returning to Israel via a private plane.

According to Jehezkel’s statement to the police, he asserted, “I did not make anything to incite or provoke anyone. I am not a pro-war person. And after all, there are Israeli soldiers captured in Gaza. I am someone who believes that this 100-day period should end now. I want the war to end. That’s why I showed the sign.” He emphasized his apolitical stance, denying any involvement in political activities since his arrival in Turkey and expressing a desire to draw attention to the conclusion of the ongoing conflict.

Currently, a Turkish prosecutor is investigating Jehezkel on charges of “inciting the public to hatred and hostility.” This legal scrutiny underscores the complex intersection of sports and politics, prompting a reevaluation of contractual obligations and freedom of expression within the realm of international football.