Over 50 Million Lira in Fines Threaten Turkish Firms for Mohamed Salah Name Exploitation

Harsh financial penalties, exceeding 50 million Turkish Lira, are being levied against companies in Turkey for exploiting the name and image of Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, a Trabzonspor player, in commercial activities without official approval. Legal action commenced after Trabzonspor club received a warning from a British law firm representing Mohamed Salah, citing unauthorized use of the player's name. The club had previously cautioned companies and institutions to secure legal permission before using Salah's name or image in advertisements and promotional materials, stressing that his presence in the team does not automatically grant commercial rights. The legal proceedings target 21 companies across Trabzon and other Turkish provinces, whose use of Salah's name in commercial campaigns was identified. Lawyers have reportedly contacted these business owners to inform them of the ongoing actions. Some shop and company owners expressed shock at the scale of financial claims, asserting no intent to offend Mohamed Salah or the Turkish club. They indicated they did not foresee such significant legal repercussions from using the player's name in marketing, especially as some firms had previously sponsored or supported the club. Furthermore, some involved admitted not anticipating the severe legal consequences, deeming the claims a major predicament.