Wed Jan 14 17:50:00 UTC 2026: Headline: Fenerbahçe Faces Beyoğlu Yeni Çarşı in Turkish Cup Clash Amidst Sponsor Regulations and Squad Challenges

The Story:
Fenerbahçe faced Beyoğlu Yeni Çarşı FK in a Ziraat Türkiye Kupası group stage match on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 20:30 at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadyumu. The match, broadcast on A Spor and followed live on fanatik.com.tr, saw Fenerbahçe debut a new Çubuklu jersey in collaboration with Adidas and Fenerium. The team also wore jerseys featuring the Chobani logo, complying with UEFA regulations requiring sponsors to be featured in at least one domestic match before appearing in European competitions. The first half ended in a 0-0 draw. A penalty initially awarded to Fenerbahçe after Jhon Duran was fouled was overturned by VAR.

The match was marked by key saves from the Beyoğlu Yeni Çarşı goalkeeper, denying Talisca and Duran on multiple occasions. Fenerbahçe manager Domenico Tedesco made light of the team’s lineup, mentioning unconventional player positions due to injuries and fitness concerns. Several players were unavailable due to injury, including Archie Brown, Levent Mercan, Edson Alvarez, and Nelson Semedo, while Youssef En-Nesyri was absent due to international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Fred Rodrigues was available after serving a three-week suspension.

Key Points:

  • The match was played between Beyoğlu Yeni Çarşı and Fenerbahçe on January 14, 2026, in the Ziraat Türkiye Kupası.
  • Fenerbahçe debuted a new jersey and featured the Chobani logo to comply with UEFA sponsor regulations.
  • The first half ended 0-0, with a penalty decision overturned by VAR.
  • Several key Fenerbahçe players were unavailable due to injuries, international duty, or suspension.
  • Turgut Doman officiated as the main referee for the match.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fenerbahçe’s participation in the Ziraat Türkiye Kupası is intertwined with fulfilling UEFA sponsorship requirements.
  • Squad depth is being tested due to numerous player absences.
  • VAR continues to play a significant role in match outcomes.

Impact Analysis:

The match serves as a practical step for Fenerbahçe to meet UEFA regulations for its sponsor, Chobani, ensuring the logo can be displayed in European competitions. This highlights the increasing commercial considerations within football, requiring clubs to strategically manage domestic appearances to facilitate international marketing agreements. The team’s ability to navigate squad limitations will be crucial in balancing domestic and potentially European aspirations.

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