Galatasaray to sue Ex-Referee over ‘baseless’ health claims about Victor Osimhen
Turkish giants Galatasaray have filed legal action against former referee and sports pundit Ahmet Çakar after he made sensational claims suggesting that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is battling a “serious health problem.”
Victor Osimhen || Image credit: Imago
Çakar, made the allegation during a live broadcast on Beyaz TV’s Derin Futbol programme, remarks that have since sparked outrage across Turkey.
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The controversial pundit claimed to have received information “from the Ministry of Health” regarding Osimhen’s alleged illness but said he preferred not to discuss details “as a sportsman and father.”
What Çakar said
In a social media post late last month, Çakar wrote, “This is a very sad day for me. Unfortunately, I have received information that Osimhen has a very serious health problem. I hope this is not true.”
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He further alleged that he had spoken to Galatasaray’s club doctor, Yener İnce, who allegedly mentioned that four to five black players in the Turkish Super League had a similar illness, but that Osimhen’s test was “negative.”
These comments quickly drew widespread criticism, with many accusing Çakar of spreading misinformation and racially charged speculation.
Galatasaray respond with legal action
Galatasaray responded swiftly, describing the remarks as “false, damaging, and malicious.”
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The club has reportedly lodged formal complaints with the Turkish courts, the Ministry of Health, and Turkey’s media regulator, RTÜK (Radio and Television Supreme Council).
According to Turkish journalist Süleyman Rodop, club officials were incensed by the allegations, viewing them as a direct attack on both the integrity of Galatasaray’s medical department and the reputation of Victor Osimhen.
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Victor Osimhen in action for Galatasaray || Image credit: IMago
“These claims are not only baseless but deeply unethical. They harm the image of our player and our institution. Appropriate legal steps are being taken,” a club insider told local media.
Osimhen focused on Super Eagles duty
Despite the controversy in Istanbul, Osimhen has remained focused on his international commitments. The 26-year-old forward recently recovered from a minor chin injury and scored in Galatasaray’s Champions League victory over Liverpool, before featuring in the 1–1 derby draw with Besiktas.
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The Super Eagles striker is currently in South Africa with the Nigerian national team, preparing for the important 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho on October 10 and Benin Republic on October 14 in Uyo.
