Saint-Maximin causes a stir with comments about doping at Fenerbahçe

Allan Saint-Maximin’s recent comments about his loan spell at Fenerbahçe have sent shockwaves through Turkish football and beyond.

The French winger, currently under contract with Saudi club Al-Ahli, gave an explosive interview on the YouTube channel of French content creator Zack Nani, where he laid bare the details of a deeply troubling period during his time in Istanbul. What initially seemed like a promising move turned into a nightmare that, according to the player, went far beyond football.

Saint-Maximin, 28, joined Fenerbahçe at the start of the 2023/24 season and quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his flair, dribbling skills, and attacking threat. However, his performances dipped drastically after the winter break, something that many attributed at the time to injuries and fatigue. But as the player now reveals, the decline was rooted in much more serious issues behind the scenes including illness, emotional distress, and alleged mistreatment by the club.

In the interview, the former Newcastle United star claimed he was the target of mind games and manipulation from club officials. He said promises made to him during his signing both contractual and personal were broken without explanation. Most shockingly, he accused Fenerbahçe of preventing him from visiting his critically ill father. “Where is the human side?” Saint-Maximin asked, visibly emotional. “They refused to let me go see him, even in such a desperate moment.”

But the most explosive part of the interview came when he made allegations that bordered on criminal. “They even tried to drug me,” he said. “They threatened me and attempted to inject things into me, which made no sense at all. That has nothing to do with football. It truly affected me. In those kinds of conditions, no one can perform well.” He added that the entire environment became toxic and dangerous, and that he felt isolated, misunderstood, and mistreated during his stay.

He went on to recall a shocking personal moment during one match, when he received a call from his children at halftime. They were being detained at an immigration checkpoint due to unresolved visa issues. “They were threatened and held back. Can you imagine that happening while you’re on the pitch trying to focus? It was unbelievable. Incomprehensible,” he said.

These comments were immediately picked up by Turkish media, igniting a firestorm of controversy. Fenerbahçe, now managed by José Mourinho, swiftly issued a public statement condemning the remarks. The club expressed astonishment and outrage at Saint-Maximin’s version of events, strongly denying the allegations. “We are shocked and saddened by the completely distorted claims made by Mr. Saint-Maximin,” read the club's statement. “His remarks are not only false but also damaging to the reputation of our medical and professional staff. We will pursue all necessary legal actions to protect the honour and integrity of the club.”

Later, in an effort to clarify his statements and perhaps defuse the legal pressure, Saint-Maximin took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter). There, he explained that during a period of illness, he was administered a substance by the club's medical team that is considered doping under international regulations. “I don’t know why the doctors did that, but these people around the club were willing to do anything,” he wrote. His comments hinted at a wider systemic problem, suggesting that win-at-all-costs mentalities may still be present in parts of the sport where player welfare is pushed aside.

The timing of this controversy could not be worse for Fenerbahçe, who are trying to build momentum ahead of the new season under the globally recognised leadership of Mourinho. The Portuguese manager is reportedly aware of the situation but has not yet commented publicly. Internally, the club is believed to be assessing any potential fallout with its current players and medical staff, who are now under scrutiny following the serious nature of the claims.

For Saint-Maximin, the ordeal marks another difficult chapter in a career that has been as unpredictable as it is entertaining. Once hailed as one of the Premier League’s most exciting wingers during his time at Newcastle, his move to Saudi Arabia raised eyebrows, and this ill-fated return to European football in Turkey has further complicated his narrative. It remains to be seen whether his parent club Al-Ahli will take disciplinary or legal steps of their own, or if the issue will now become a drawn-out legal battle between the player and Fenerbahçe.

What is clear, however, is that these allegations have far-reaching implications. If substantiated, they could prompt deeper investigations into medical practices and player treatment within football clubs particularly in leagues where oversight may be more relaxed. But if proven false, they could significantly damage Saint-Maximin’s credibility and potentially affect his future in professional football.

As of now, both parties seem entrenched in their positions: Saint-Maximin stands by his words, claiming his only aim was to tell the truth about his experience, while Fenerbahçe is preparing to defend its name through legal channels. The story is still unfolding, and the football world is watching closely.