Ex-Premier League star's bombshell doping allegation leads to furious response
Fenerbahce will exercise all of their legal rights in order to dismiss Allan Saint-Maximin's claim that the club attempted to dope him last season. The Frenchman suggested that when he fell ill during last season, the Turkish side's staff gave him 'treatment that's considered a doping product', which the club have denied.
The 28-year-old former Newcastle winger spent last season on loan at Fenerbahce from Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli. Saint-Maximin recorded four goals and five assists in 31 games and found some controversy.
Fenerbahce have claimed Saint-Maximin distored the facts surrounding his treatment while speaking on the Zack Nani podcast. And the club appear to be looking to quickly hit back at the France international via legal routes.
Fenerbahce released a statement that read: "By distorting the facts regarding the medical treatment he received following a health issue, the player has attempted to mislead the public and damage the reputation of our club.
"As Fenerbahçe Sports Club, we hereby inform the public that we will exercise all our legal rights against these misleading statements and any attempt to undermine our institutional reputation."
Offering his thoughts on Fenerbahce's 2024/25 campaigh, Saint-Maximin highlighted the club's alleged desire to dope him. The ex-Nice ace said boss Jose Mourinho gave everything in a bid to topple Galatasaray, who won the league by nine points - but did not suggest his manager was involved in his accusation.
Saint-Maximin said: " Jose Mourinho (Fenerbahce manager) gave everything to be champions. But unfortunately, there are an enormous number of things that happen, things around the club that are really complicated.
"To give you an example for me, they went so far as to want to dope me, to say how serious it is. These are things that people don't know. You don't speak out because someone is threatening you behind your back. It goes beyond football."
Following the fallout from his comments, Saint-Maximin added on social media: 'I see it's going viral on Twitter, so I'll clarify what I said. I was talking about these people around the club who are prepared to do anything. In my case, when I was ill, I was practically given a treatment that is considered to be a doping product. I don't know what the purpose of this team of doctors was."
Earlier in the year, Saint-Maximin played out a public spat with Mourinho. The tricky winger entangled in a war of words with his boss after being left out of the squad to face Rangers.
After the Frenchman criticised the decision, Mourinho hit back that his charge was unfit and overweight. Saint-Maximin rubbished the suggestion and ultimately found his way back into Mourinho's plans before ending the season injured.
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