Victor Osimhen is at the centre of the Osimhen Fenerbahçe Palace Coup story after Fenerbahçe’s attempt to have him ruled out of the Istanbul derby was rejected by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).
Fenerbahçe had formally submitted a request arguing that the Galatasaray striker should not be allowed to play due to the protective arm guard he wears. They claimed it could pose a safety risk to opposing players and supported their case with IFAB regulations and a detailed report.
Despite the appeal, the TFF dismissed the request, meaning Osimhen remains eligible for selection in the highly anticipated clash.
The Osimhen Fenerbahçe Palace Coup saga comes shortly after the Nigerian forward returned from an arm injury sustained during Galatasaray’s Champions League match against Liverpool, which required surgery. He made his comeback in the Turkish Cup against Gençlerbirliği, playing 17 minutes while still wearing a protective bandage.
Reports from Turkey suggest Osimhen felt no discomfort during his return and confirmed his readiness to the coaching staff. Following discussions with head coach Okan Buruk, he has been included in the starting XI for the Week 31 derby at Rams Park.
Mauro Icardi is expected to begin the match on the bench, while Barış Alper, Leroy Sane, and Sara will also feature in attack.
Osimhen has enjoyed a strong season with 19 goals and seven assists in 30 appearances across all competitions. His return is a major boost for Galatasaray as they prepare for one of their most decisive matches of the campaign.
The buildup to the fixture has intensified attention on the Osimhen Fenerbahçe Palace Coup, with fans and analysts debating the fairness of Fenerbahçe’s complaint and the impact of Osimhen’s presence on the game.
With the title race finely balanced, the outcome of the derby — and the wider Osimhen Fenerbahçe Palace Coup storyline — could have a significant impact on the Süper Lig championship battle as the season reaches its decisive stage.
