With Panathinaikos and Olympiacos out, Fenerbahce fans prepare for EuroLeague final amid Greek exodus and rising Turkish turnout.
The 2025 EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi is rapidly transforming into a home court for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul fans.
| Player of the Game | |
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EFF
30
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| Nigel Hayes-Davis | |
| Points | 23 |
| Accuracy | 4-13 |
| Rebounds | 9 |
| Assists | 1 |
With the Turkish powerhouse advancing to the championship game after dispatching Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens in the semifinals, the balance of power – and noise – in the stands of the Etihad Arena is shifting dramatically in favor of the yellow-and-blue fans.
While official numbers remain fluid, estimates indicate that approximately 2,000 Fenerbahce supporters attended Friday's semifinals, securing their entrance either through ticket marketplaces or the club's official allocation.
Greek exit: From takeover to turnaround
That figure is expected to rise substantially ahead of Sunday's final against AS Monaco, as more Turkish fans arrive from Turkiye and capitalize on the mass exit – and resale – of tickets originally held by Greek fans.
Hence, the Etihad Arena, painted green and red during Friday's games, is expected to be dominated by Turkish supporters.
More than 6,000 Greek fans had traveled to the UAE, armed with tickets, scarves, and high hopes. Many had purchased premium travel packages and seats via their respective clubs.
But after back-to-back semifinal heartbreaks on Friday – Panathinaikos falling to Fenerbahce (82–76) and Olympiacos succumbing to Monaco (78–68) – the mood shifted swiftly and decisively.
Now, a growing number of Greek fans have little desire to watch the final from the stands.
And while ticket resale is strictly prohibited under UAE law, evidence suggests that many Greeks are offloading tickets, often to Turkish fans, who are still flying in for Sunday's final.
We asked fans spicy questions & witnessed a Greek tragedy:
Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul / Schedule
Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul
Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens
AS MonacoThis scenario mirrors what occurred in last year's Final Four in Berlin, where Olympiacos and Fenerbahce fans sold tickets to Panathinaikos supporters for the title game against Real Madrid.
Once again, national rivalries and tournament fate have reshaped attendance at the last moment.
Turkish surge on Emirati soil
Abu Dhabi's large Turkish expat population has already padded Fenerbahce's ranks locally, but with Greek tickets now back on the market, more fans are making last-minute arrangements to support their team in person.
Turkish travel agencies are reportedly seeing a spike in short-term bookings to the UAE – a sign that Sunday could bring a significantly larger Turkish contingent than originally anticipated.
In a tournament that sold out all 9,000 available public tickets for the 11,000-seat Etihad Arena, these late shifts in attendance patterns have become crucial. The remaining 2,000 seats are reserved for VIPs, media, and league affiliates.
However, one of the obstacles Fenerbahce fans might face is the visa requirement when traveling to the UAE. The standard visa processing time might take from 3 to 5 working days.
Nevertheless, there's also an express processing option, with approvals in as little as 24 hours.
Organizers, anticipating some fans traveling without tickets, have set up four designated fan zones across Abu Dhabi – one each for Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, Fenerbahce, and Monaco – for viewing parties outside the arena.
But for Fenerbahce fans, the goal is clear: be inside the arena and make their presence felt.
Tipoff for the EuroLeague final between Fenerbahce and Monaco is scheduled for 21:00 local Abu Dhabi time (20:00 CET) on Sunday, May 26, at Etihad Arena.
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