No Deal: Fenerbahçe Responds to Reports of FK Bregalnica Acquisition.

Roger Hampel

Photo Credit WIKIPEDIA/GradskiI stadion

Reports circulating in North Macedonia and on social media earlier this week claimed that Turkish football giant Fenerbahçe SK had acquired an 85% stake in FK Bregalnica, a second-division club based in the city of Štip. The reported transfer, cited by local outlet 433.nmk, suggested that the deal was completed for €300,000, with the municipality of Štip retaining a minority 15% share.

Official Statement Fenerbahçe FK Bregalnica

However, Fenerbahçe has officially denied these claims. In a statement posted on the club’s verified Kurumsal account, the Istanbul-based side clarified that no acquisition had taken place, neither on behalf of the club nor through any personal initiative of its president, Ali Koç.

“In recent days, some media outlets and social media channels have reported that Fenerbahçe SK or our President Mr. Ali Y. Koç have acquired a football club in Macedonia,” the statement reads.“To avoid misinformation, we would like to clearly state that neither the club’s corporate entity nor Mr. Koç personally have purchased any club in the said country. We present this to the public for accurate information.”

Regional Investment Context

The rumors gained traction amid growing interest in regional football acquisitions, as clubs across Europe explore cross-border investments to expand their influence, talent pipeline, and commercial reach. Türkiye’s "big three" clubs in particular have been increasingly active in regional sports diplomacy, often linked with youth development projects or brand-building initiatives in the Balkans and Caucasus.