diff --git a/Generals/Code/GameEngine/Source/Common/RTS/Team.cpp b/Generals/Code/GameEngine/Source/Common/RTS/Team.cpp
index 8dd327575c0..21ea6e371e5 100644
--- a/Generals/Code/GameEngine/Source/Common/RTS/Team.cpp
+++ b/Generals/Code/GameEngine/Source/Common/RTS/Team.cpp
@@ -1492,7 +1492,11 @@ Relationship Team::getRelationship(const Team *that) const
 	}
 
 	// nope -- go with our Player's view on the matter.
-	return getControllingPlayer()->getRelationship(that);
+	// TheSuperHackers @bugfix Mauller 16/03/2026 Guard against null controlling player to prevent access violation
+	const Player* controllingPlayer = getControllingPlayer();
+	if (controllingPlayer == nullptr)
+		return NEUTRAL;
+	return controllingPlayer->getRelationship(that);
 }
 
 // ------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/GeneralsMD/Code/GameEngine/Source/Common/RTS/Team.cpp b/GeneralsMD/Code/GameEngine/Source/Common/RTS/Team.cpp
index 7d28fc8d62b..4bc112feabe 100644
--- a/GeneralsMD/Code/GameEngine/Source/Common/RTS/Team.cpp
+++ b/GeneralsMD/Code/GameEngine/Source/Common/RTS/Team.cpp
@@ -1493,7 +1493,11 @@ Relationship Team::getRelationship(const Team *that) const
 	}
 
 	// nope -- go with our Player's view on the matter.
-	return getControllingPlayer()->getRelationship(that);
+	// TheSuperHackers @bugfix Mauller 16/03/2026 Guard against null controlling player to prevent access violation
+	const Player* controllingPlayer = getControllingPlayer();
+	if (controllingPlayer == nullptr)
+		return NEUTRAL;
+	return controllingPlayer->getRelationship(that);
 }
 
 // ------------------------------------------------------------------------