On Sunday,17 March, 2024 immediately after a Turkish Super League match between Trabzonspor versus Fenerbahce where Trabzonspor lost 2-3 to Fenerbahce. Some of the host fans invaded the field and allegedly attacked Fenerbahce players.
Consequently, some Fenerbahce players attempted to defend themselves and this led to chaos which has drawn the attention of the Turkish league football governing body and have set up a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter.
However, Fenerbahce SK is considering quitting the domestic league at the end of the season and are reviewing other domestic leagues to register for next season. This has caused confusion on the in the camp of some football fans and are wondering how this could be possible.
Yes. It is possible.
Several football clubs have played or currently play in domestic leagues outside their home country for various reasons, including competitive challenges, financial opportunities, or geographical factors.
So, if you are one of those confused football fans, here is a list of clubs that have played or currently play in other domestic leagues outside their home country.
1. AS MONACO (FRANCE): Monaco is located on the French Riviera. AS Monaco has competed in the French League 1 for its primary domestic league but also competed in the Swiss Super League during the 2005/2006 season due to tax reasons. The Swiss tax laws were more favourable for the club during that time.
2. CARDIFF CITY, SWANSEA CITY AND NEWPORT COUNTY (WALES): Despite being Welsh Clubs, Cardiff City, Swansea City and Newport County all participate in the English Football League System. This is primarily because Wales historically lacked a professional football league with the same level of competition and financial rewards as English Leagues.
3. NEW YORK RED BULLS AND MONTREAL IMPACT (CANADA): Despite being Canadian teams, both New York Red Bulls and Montreal Impact compete in the American-based Major League Soccer. This is due to the proximity to the United States and the lack of a fully professional Canadian league until recently.
4. DERRY CITY (NORTHERN IRELAND): Derry City Played in the League of Ireland due to political and security issues during the troubles. They have since remained in the League of Ireland Premier Division.
5. GIBRALTAR UNITED AND LINCOLN RED IMPS (GIBRALTAR) - Both teams played in the Spanish lower leagues before Gibraltar was granted UEFA membership. They now compete in the Gibraltar National League, but occasionally participate in Spanish cup competitions.
6. BERWICK RANGERS(ENGLAND): Berwick Rangers Competes in the Scottish football system despite being located in England due to historical reasons.
7.RANGERS AND CELTIC (SCOTLAND): While both Rangers and Celtic are based in Scotland, there have been discussions in the past about them potentially joining the English football league system due to the financial benefits and increased competition. However, this move has not materialized due to various reasons, including tradition and resistance from other clubs.
The aforementioned teams are few examples of clubs that have played or currently play in domestic leagues outside their home country.
You can list others in the comment section.