‘I am happy’ – Jose Mourinho celebrates historic decision after rivals fail to block move

Jose Mourinho has finally got his way in one of his longest-running disputes with the Turkish Super Lig.

The Fenerbahce boss has been a strong critic of the league's referees since his appointment in the summer.

Mourinho has also claimed the officials favour his side's title rivals Galatasaray with their decisions.

The two sides meet in the Istanbul Derby on Monday night, with a decision now made on who will take charge of the match.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will become the first foreign referee to officiate a Turkish Super Lig match, the Turkish Football Federation have confirmed.

The 45-year-old has been a FIFA referee since 2010 and took charge of last season's Champions League final.

Vincic also oversaw the 2022 Europa League final as well as having experience of the Greek, Saudi Arabian and Emirati top flights this season.

It is hoped appointing a referee from overseas will avoid any potential bias as the league looks to prevent any controversies and complaints.

"The decision has been made and he is a top-level referee," Mourinho said, as per Turkish outlet Hurriyet. I think it is important for credibility.

"I am happy with this decision. Although it may not seem like it sometimes, I am a person who wants fair play.

"We want to win, they want to win. I hope it will be a big match."

Galatasaray, who won the reverse fixture 3-1 in September, sit six points clear of Fenerbahce at the top of the table.

The league leaders remain unbeaten having only dropped six points from their opening 23 matches.

Meanwhile, Mourinho has won 25 of 39 matches as Fenerbahce boss, but has been a vocal critic of the referees since arriving in Turkey.

After beating Trabzonspor in November, he claimed he would not have taken the job if he had known the standard of officiating.

The Portuguese fumed: "I blame the Fenerbahce people that brought me here. They told me only half of the truth.

"They didn't tell me the whole truth because if they told me the whole truth, I wouldn't come.

"But, with half of the truth and my boys, we fight opponents and the system."

In another rant last month, Mourinho hit out at a 'scandal' within the game in Turkey with officials allegedly favouring Galatasaray.

His comments were followed by Gala's opponents walking off the pitch during a recent match.

They had been leading at home against Adana Demirspor when the referee awarded the hosts a penalty.

In protest of the decision, the visiting players left the field of play, prompting the referee to abandon the match.