UEFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into Fenerbahçe SK players Mattéo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood. The probe concerns incidents following the UEFA Champions League Play-Off second leg match against Lyon, involving clashes on the pitch and in the tunnel. The club's official statement, reported by Hürriyet Spor, was issued on September 3, 2026.
Fenerbahçe confirmed they will present the necessary defenses to UEFA to protect the rights and interests of both the players and the club. Currently sitting 4th in the Süper Lig with 6 points from 3 games, the yellow-navy blues trail leaders Galatasaray by a single point. As visible on the standings page, the team has scored 7 goals and conceded 4, giving them a +3 goal difference.
What happened during the Lyon match?
Tensions flared after the final whistle of the crucial play-off match in France, which Fenerbahçe won 2-1. Scuffles broke out between players and staff from both teams on the pitch and in the tunnel. It is alleged that a person in a Lyon tracksuit attempted to kick Guendouzi during the altercations. Guendouzi claimed he was heavily provoked by Lyon home supporters who insulted his family before and during the match.
Fenerbahçe head coach Ismail Kartal emphasized the team's unity in the situation. Kartal said, "As a team we all stood together to support Guendouzi. Support was provided. That is what teamwork is all about." Guendouzi described his experience, stating: "You know, when you've got 60,000 people insulting your family, your mum, your children, even before the match - and nobody from the refereeing team tells the stadium to be quiet."
What will the UEFA process and Fenerbahçe's defense involve?
The club's statement clarified that the disciplinary process involves both the players and the club. The Fenerbahçe board is preparing the necessary defense file to submit to UEFA. This process creates an additional focus point ahead of the team's busy Champions League schedule. The yellow-navy blues will host Liverpool and face Atletico Madrid, Aston Villa, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Villarreal, Slavia Prague, and LASK in the group stage.
The team's next Süper Lig fixture, as seen on the fixtures page, is an away match against Başakşehir on December 6, 2026. Injuries are also a significant concern for Fenerbahçe. The injuries list includes Jayden Oosterwolde, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Marco Asensio, Talisca, and Çağlar Söyüncü. The absence of these players tests the squad's depth.
The Fenerbahçe journeys of Guendouzi and Greenwood
Mason Greenwood joined Fenerbahçe from Olympique de Marseille in July 2024 on a four-year deal for a fee of £33.25 million. It was announced this fee would be paid in three instalments over three years. Greenwood made 81 appearances for Marseille, scoring 48 goals. He was the second-highest scorer in Ligue 1 last season. Mattéo Guendouzi played for Olympique de Marseille's rivals, Olympique de Marseille, between 2021 and 2024. Both players have become key figures in Fenerbahçe's European campaign with their experience.
UEFA's decision will determine whether the players face suspension and if the club incurs any financial sanctions. Fenerbahçe prepares to face Başakşehir, who are 9th in the table, in an away match on December 6th.
