The relationship between sports and international politics has become one of the most complex arenas in the modern era. Football is no longer merely a recreational game; it has transformed into a tool of soft power and public diplomacy, used by states to bolster influence and bypass administrative or technical hurdles.
In early February, the sports and political world witnessed a unique event: the direct intervention of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to resolve a contractual crisis that nearly derailed a major swap deal between Turkey’s club Fenerbahçe and the Saudi club Al-Ittihad. This overlap between Turkey’s highest political authority and the mechanics of player transfers raises profound questions about the role of political leadership in advancing national sporting interests.
The Technical Crisis: The Night the “TMS” System Failed
The drama began when the transfer of French star N’Golo Kanté to Fenerbahçe and the subsequent move of Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri to Al-Ittihad stalled due to administrative and technical errors in FIFA’s Transfer Matching System (TMS).
On the night of the deadline, a data entry error occurred on the Saudi side. This glitch prevented Al-Ittihad from registering En-Nesyri before the Saudi window closed, which automatically halted Kante’s move to Istanbul. Fenerbahce initially released a heated statement. holding AL-Ittihad’s management fully responsible for the collapse of the deal.
The Presidential Journey: From Ankara to Riyadh
Coinciding with this sporting storm, President Erdogan was preparing for a high-level official visit to Saudi Arabia. While en route to Riyadh, he received reports regarding the failure of the Kante deal-a move anticipated by millions of Turkish fans.
Reports indicate that a member of the Fenerbahce board contacted the presidential delegation before the plane landed, explaining that “the documents entered the system.
The Bilateral Summit: The Custodiam of the Two Holy Mosques Resolves the Crisis
Upon arrival, and before starting scheduled meetings on energy and defense, President Erdogan requested a meeting with King Salman bin Abdulaziz. In this cordial meeting, Erdigan explained the technical nature of the problem, emphasizing that administrative errors should not obstruct the mutual desires of the clubs and players.
King Salam showed great understanding and appreciation for the request. In a move reflecting deep bilateral ties, the king made direct communications involving the President of Al-Ittihas and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The instructions were clear: find a legal and technical solution to ensure the deal’s completion while preserving the rights of all parties.
