Court rejects Fenerbahce chairman's appeal

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey's High Court has rejected an appeal by Fenerbahce's chairman, confirming his conviction for match-fixing.

Aziz Yildirim was convicted in July 2012 and sentenced to six years and three months in prison for fixing games, trying to influence the outcome of matches and leading a criminal gang. He spent a year behind bars but was released pending the outcome of the trial.

The Anadolu Agency said the High Court rejected his appeal on Thursday.

Yildirim was expected to head back to prison to serve the remainder of his term and be forced to step down as chairman. However, he has also recently petitioned Turkey's Supreme Court seeking a re-trial.

Fenerbahce was expelled from the Europa League and barred from qualifying for next season's Champions League over the scandal.