Fenerbahce has kicked world champion Mesut Özil (33) and returnee Ozan Tufan (27) out of its squad for an indefinite period of time.
It’s a very terse statement from the traditional Istanbul club that also raises many questions in Turkish media. Özil and Ozan Tufan have been “excluded from the squad by decision” – indefinitely. The third-placed team in the SüperLig did not give any reasons for the decision.
According to information from “Fanatik”, there was a rift with coach Ismail Kartal, who has been in charge at Fenerbahce since 13 January, after the recent 2-1 victory in the chasing duel against Konyaspor. Özil, who had already been substituted at the break for Dimitris Pelkas, who later scored the winning goal, and Ozan Tufan, who only came on in injury time for ex-Darmstadt player Serdar Dursun, are said to have sought confrontation with Kartal.
Most recently, Fenerbahce had also denied speculation that Özil had not wanted to play because of unpaid wages. According to the club, reports to that effect had “nothing to do with the truth”. Özil’s contract runs until 2024
The 2014 World Cup winner has made 26 appearances for Fenerbahce so far in the 2021/22 season (nine goals, two assists), but his mixed performances have repeatedly drawn criticism. Ozan Tufan, loaned to Watford FC last summer, was brought back after the winter break but has since disappointed badly.
