Amedspor FC, a Turkish football club based in Diyarbakir, is facing repercussions for a social media post that has ignited a nationwide debate. The Professional Football Discipline Board (PFDK) has fined the club 802,000 Turkish Lira and banned its president, Nahit Eren, for 15 days, citing "ideological propaganda" and "statements aimed at damaging the reputation of football and institutions". The controversy stems from a 20-second video shared on Amedspor's Instagram account on January 22, 2026, depicting a woman getting her hair braided in their stadium. The video was accompanied by a song featuring the Kurdish slogan "Women, life, freedom".
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) deemed the post a violation of its regulations, leading to the disciplinary action. The federation argued that the club was guilty of "damaging the reputation of football" through ideological messaging. This decision has sparked outrage among Amedspor supporters and human rights activists, who view it as a politically motivated attack on the club, which is known for its strong Kurdish identity.
The "braid" in the video has become a symbol of solidarity with Syrian Kurds. Recently, hair braiding has emerged as a gesture of support for Kurdish forces in Syria, particularly as Damascus has intensified its military offensive in northeastern regions formerly under Kurdish control. The trend gained traction after a video circulated showing a Syrian soldier holding up a braid, allegedly cut from a Kurdish female fighter in Raqa. In response, social media platforms have been flooded with videos of women braiding their hair in solidarity.
The incident has further amplified tensions surrounding Kurdish issues in Turkey. Amedspor has faced scrutiny and sanctions in the past due to its perceived association with Kurdish activism. The club's supporters have often been subjected to discriminatory treatment and harassment. The current "braid-gate" incident has only exacerbated these long-standing grievances.
The TFF's decision has been met with widespread criticism, with many accusing the federation of suppressing freedom of expression and targeting a club that represents a marginalized community. The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of the Turkish government's stance on Kurdish identity and political expression. The debate extends beyond the football world, touching on fundamental questions of cultural rights and political freedoms in Turkey. As Amedspor considers its next steps, the "braid-gate" controversy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Kurdish communities in Turkey and the ongoing struggle for recognition and equality.
