Galatasaray Sue Turkish Doctor Over Controversial Victor Osimhen Health Claim

 

 

Turkish giants Galatasaray have taken legal action against former referee and outspoken sports pundit Ahmet Çakar after he sensationally claimed that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is suffering from a “serious illness.”

Çakar, 63, made the allegations during a recent episode of Beyaz TV’s Derin Futbol programme, citing information he allegedly received from Turkey’s Ministry of Health. According to reports from Turkish outlet Gsgazete, he claimed he had insider knowledge regarding Osimhen’s health condition but refused to go into details “as a sportsman and father.”

The controversial pundit had earlier made similar remarks on social media in late September, suggesting that Galatasaray’s medical team was aware of the issue. He went as far as alleging that he had spoken with the club’s doctor, Yener İnce, who reportedly told him that 4–5 black players in the Turkish Super League have this illness, though Osimhen’s test came out negative.

Çakar also stated that Galatasaray officials were aware of the supposed situation, implying that “some countries need to know about certain illnesses.”

Galatasaray Respond Strongly

The Istanbul club has moved swiftly to address the claims, describing them as baseless, damaging, and malicious. According to Turkish journalist Süleyman Rodop, Galatasaray have filed formal complaints with the courts, the Ministry of Health, and Turkey’s media regulator, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK).

Club insiders revealed that both the management and medical department are furious over the allegations, viewing them as a direct attack on the club’s integrity and the professionalism of their medical staff.

Meanwhile, Osimhen remains focused on his national team duties. The 26-year-old is currently in South Africa with the Super Eagles, preparing for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho on October 10 and Benin Republic on October 14 in Uyo.

The striker, who recently recovered from a minor chin injury, was on target in Galatasaray’s Champions League win over Liverpool, and also featured in their 1–1 derby draw with Besiktas.

Despite the controversy swirling in Turkey, Osimhen has made no public comment on the matter and is expected to lead Nigeria’s attack in the crucial qualifiers.