Turkey: Fenerbahçe are champions, but their president, Aziz Yildirim, to return to prison

Aziz Yildirim, president of Süper Lig's Fenerbahçe, has been sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison by the Turkish Supreme Court of Appeals on 17/04/2014. He had been accused of rigging matches for the 2010-11 season.

Due to these cases of match-fixing, Fenerbahçe SK were excluded by UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) from any European competition for three seasons beginning 25/06/2013. Although they are sure to win the Turkish championship for the 19^th time since their win on 27/04/2014 (0-0, home match against Rizespor, 31^st matchday), the Istanbul club will not be able to participate in 2014-15 Champions League; it will be serving its second season of suspension.

Aziz Yildirim, 61, was, at his first trial, convicted and sentenced to two years and six months in prison for "directing a criminal organisation", plus three years and nine months for his involvement in match-fixing (for a total of six years and three months). He was also fined 1.3 million Turkish pounds (440,000 euros) on 02/07/2012.

The Turkish Supreme Court of Appeals upheld the verdict on…