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Learn how foreign athletes, coaches and sports agents can enforce foreign sports contracts in Turkey. This 2026 guide explains recognition of foreign judgments, CAS awards, FIFA decisions, Turkish enforcement proceedings and legal remedies
International sports have become increasingly global, with athletes, coaches, agents and clubs frequently entering into contracts across multiple jurisdictions. Foreign players often sign contracts abroad before transferring to Turkish clubs, while Turkish clubs regularly recruit athletes from Europe, South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
However, obtaining a favorable judgment or arbitral award abroad does not automatically guarantee payment in Turkey. If the debtor club, agent or individual has assets in Turkey, the foreign decision generally must be recognized or enforced before compulsory execution proceedings can begin.
Whether the contract concerns unpaid salaries, signing bonuses, transfer compensation, image rights, coaching agreements or agent commissions, understanding Turkish enforcement procedures is essential for recovering the debt.
This guide explains how foreign sports contracts and international sports decisions can be enforced in Turkey.
What Is a Foreign Sports Contract?
A foreign sports contract may include:
- Professional player contracts.
- Coaching agreements.
- Transfer agreements.
- Loan agreements.
- Agent representation contracts.
- Image rights agreements.
- Sponsorship contracts.
- Signing bonus agreements.
- Settlement agreements.
- Performance bonus agreements.
The governing law of the contract may differ from the country where enforcement is sought.
Does a Foreign Contract Automatically Apply in Turkey?
Generally, yes, if it has been validly concluded.
However, if enforcement requires compulsory collection against assets located in Turkey, additional legal procedures may be necessary depending on whether the creditor seeks to enforce:
- The contract itself.
- A foreign court judgment.
- A foreign arbitral award.
- A FIFA decision.
- A CAS award.
- A settlement agreement.
Each category follows different procedural rules.
Enforcing Foreign Court Judgments
If an athlete obtains a final judgment from a foreign court ordering a Turkish club to pay compensation, salaries or bonuses, that judgment generally cannot be directly enforced through Turkish enforcement offices.
Instead, the creditor must first apply for recognition or enforcement (tenfiz) before the competent Turkish court under the International Private and Procedural Law No. 5718.
The Turkish court generally examines issues such as:
- Whether the judgment is final.
- Jurisdiction.
- Reciprocity where applicable.
- Proper service.
- Public policy.
- Right of defense.
The Turkish court does not normally reconsider the merits of the foreign dispute.
Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards
Many international sports contracts contain arbitration clauses.
Awards issued by:
- Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
- ICC Arbitration.
- LCIA.
- SIAC.
- Other foreign arbitral tribunals.
may generally be enforced in Turkey after completing the required legal procedure.
Turkey is a party to the 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, making foreign arbitral awards generally enforceable subject to limited refusal grounds.
Can CAS Awards Be Enforced in Turkey?
Yes.
CAS awards are generally treated as foreign arbitral awards.
A successful party may apply for enforcement before the Turkish courts provided the legal conditions are satisfied.
The Turkish court does not normally review whether CAS correctly interpreted sporting rules.
Instead, it considers the limited enforcement grounds provided under Turkish law and the New York Convention.
What About FIFA Decisions?
FIFA decisions often involve:
- Unpaid salaries.
- Training compensation.
- Solidarity contribution.
- Contract termination.
- Transfer disputes.
Many FIFA decisions are voluntarily complied with because failure to do so may trigger sporting sanctions.
However, where monetary recovery against assets in Turkey becomes necessary, additional enforcement procedures may still be required depending on the legal nature of the decision.
Recognition vs Enforcement
These concepts should not be confused.
Recognition confirms the legal effect of a foreign judgment in Turkey.
Enforcement (Tenfiz) allows compulsory execution against Turkish assets.
If the athlete seeks actual payment through Turkish enforcement offices, enforcement is generally required.
Which Court Has Jurisdiction?
Recognition and enforcement actions are generally filed before the competent Turkish court determined under the International Private and Procedural Law.
Jurisdiction often depends on:
- Defendant’s domicile.
- Defendant’s habitual residence.
- Location of assets.
- Applicable procedural rules.
Proper venue should be confirmed before filing.
Documents Required
Typical documents include:
- Original judgment or award.
- Finality certificate.
- Arbitration award (if applicable).
- Certified translations.
- Apostille or legalization where required.
- Power of attorney.
- Identity documents.
Incomplete documentation frequently delays proceedings.
Can the Turkish Court Rehear the Case?
Generally, no.
The Turkish court does not normally reconsider:
- Match performance.
- Contract interpretation.
- Sporting decisions.
- Amount of compensation.
- Witness credibility.
Instead, the court focuses on statutory enforcement requirements.
Public Policy Review
Turkish courts may refuse enforcement if the foreign decision clearly violates Turkish public policy.
Examples may include:
- Serious procedural unfairness.
- Denial of defense rights.
- Fraud.
- Manifest incompatibility with fundamental legal principles.
Public policy review is interpreted narrowly and is not intended to function as a second appeal.
Enforcement Against Turkish Clubs
After enforcement is granted, creditors may initiate Turkish enforcement proceedings.
Possible enforcement measures include:
- Bank account attachment.
- Seizure of receivables.
- Movable asset attachment.
- Real estate attachment.
- Share attachment.
The available measures depend on the club’s legal structure and assets.
Interest Claims
The creditor may also recover:
- Contractual interest.
- Statutory default interest.
- Costs awarded in the judgment.
- Arbitration costs.
- Legal fees where recoverable.
The applicable interest calculation depends on the original decision and Turkish enforcement rules.
Settlement Before Enforcement
Many disputes settle before enforcement proceedings begin.
Settlement agreements should specify:
- Payment schedule.
- Currency.
- Interest.
- Default provisions.
- Acceleration clause.
- Security.
- Enforcement mechanism.
The athlete should avoid signing a full waiver before receiving complete payment.
Time Limits
Foreign judgments and arbitral awards should not be left unenforced for extended periods.
Delays may create:
- Limitation issues.
- Asset dissipation.
- Corporate restructuring.
- Insolvency risks.
Prompt legal action generally improves recovery prospects.
Common Enforcement Mistakes
Foreign athletes frequently:
- Assume foreign judgments automatically apply.
- File before the wrong court.
- Submit incomplete translations.
- Delay enforcement.
- Ignore limitation periods.
- Fail to identify Turkish assets.
- Accept informal payment promises.
- Misunderstand FIFA and CAS enforcement procedures.
- Use defective powers of attorney.
- Fail to obtain specialist Turkish legal advice.
Best Practices
Before initiating enforcement:
- Verify the debtor’s legal identity.
- Locate Turkish assets.
- Confirm the decision is final.
- Obtain certified translations.
- Review enforcement strategy.
- Calculate interest.
- Preserve contractual documents.
- Consider settlement opportunities.
Early planning significantly improves collection prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a foreign athlete enforce a foreign sports judgment in Turkey?
Yes. Depending on the nature of the decision, recognition or enforcement proceedings may be required before compulsory execution can begin.
2. Are CAS awards enforceable in Turkey?
Yes. CAS awards are generally enforceable under the New York Convention and Turkish law, subject to statutory enforcement requirements.
3. Can FIFA decisions be enforced?
Yes. Depending on the type of FIFA decision and the enforcement sought, additional legal procedures in Turkey may be necessary.
4. Does the Turkish court reconsider the merits of the sports dispute?
Generally, no. The court primarily reviews whether the legal conditions for recognition or enforcement have been satisfied.
5. Can bank accounts of Turkish clubs be attached?
Yes. After a decision becomes enforceable in Turkey, enforcement proceedings may include attachment of eligible assets, including bank accounts and receivables.
6. Is a certified Turkish translation required?
In most cases, yes. Foreign judgments and supporting documents generally need certified translations for use before Turkish courts.
7. How long does enforcement usually take?
The duration depends on the complexity of the case, the completeness of the documentation, possible objections, and the court’s workload.
8. Why should foreign athletes hire a Turkish sports lawyer?
A Turkish sports lawyer can manage recognition and enforcement proceedings, enforce CAS awards and foreign judgments, locate assets, initiate execution proceedings, negotiate settlements, and maximize recovery against Turkish sports clubs or other debtors.
Legal Support – Contact Our Sports Lawyers
Winning a case abroad is only the first step. Recovering the money in Turkey requires an effective enforcement strategy, proper documentation, and compliance with Turkish procedural law.
Fırat Fesih Kaya and our legal team represent foreign athletes, coaches, agents, clubs, and sports professionals in recognition and enforcement proceedings, CAS award enforcement, FIFA-related disputes, international arbitration, contract enforcement, and debt recovery throughout Turkey.
24/7 Emergency Phone: +90 532 769 22 22
Office Phone: +90 312 434 22 22
Email: info@firatfesihkaya.av.tr
Address: Mevlana Boulevard No:221, Yıldırım Tower, Office No:148, 06520 Balgat, Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey
