Sadettin Saran

Steven Sadettin Saran (born 30 August 1964) is a Turkish-American former athlete, businessman and sports executive. In September 2025, he became the 34th president of Fenerbahçe Sports Club.

Biography Saran was born in Denver, Colorado to a Turkish father Özbek Saran and an American mother Geraldine Saran.

While he was studying in the US, he was the captain of the school's swimming team and was named the Most Valuable Athlete for two years. He was the captain of the Turkish National Swimming Team in 1984–1985 and broke the 50-meter freestyle swimming record during this period. and assumed the representation of many well-known world brands. Between 1990 and 1995, he served as Assistant General Manager and General Manager at Martin Marietta's Ankara Office.

Saran Holding Saran Holding, which he founded in Istanbul in 1990, operates in the media, publishing, internet platforms, aviation, tourism and betting sectors. He took charge in the board as executive of the department of football during the presidency of Aziz Yıldırım. His relations with Aziz Yıldırım sharply deteriorated because he did not approve the actions of the president, criticizing him clearly. As a result of this, he was illegally dismissed from the board. He sued the club for being unfairly expelled. Eventually, the Turkish Court concluded that Saran won the 7-year long case.

On 16 December 2021, Saran stated that he would be a candidate for presidency of Fenerbahçe S.K. in the future.

On 30 July 2025, Saran became candidate via "500 Candidate's signature (As needed for Club Charter)" and he became president candidate in extraordinary elections, for Fenerbahçe SK.

At the Fenerbahçe Sports Club Extraordinary General Assembly Meeting held on 21 September 2025, 24,732 votes were cast, of which 24,393 were deemed valid. Saran became the 38th president of Fenerbahçe with 12,325 votes, while President Ali Koç received 12,068 votes. 135 blank votes were cast, and 204 votes were deemed invalid. one of the Bundesliga teams, sold his shares after receiving backlash from club members and fans.

Use of illegal substances On 24 December 2025, during his Fenerbahçe presidency Saran was detained by police after testing positive for illegal drugs, and WhatsApp messages allegedly discussing recreational drug use. Saran rejected all accusations and noted that he had "nothing to hide" and would fully cooperate with authorities. A day after on 25 December 2025, he was released under judicial condition.