Giants Join Forces for Turkish Football
A critical summit was held yesterday at Riva, hosted by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), with the participation of the presidents of four major clubs. Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu, Ali Koc, Dursun Ozbek, Hasan Arat, and Ertugrul Dogan came together to discuss key issues in Turkish football and exchange ideas. The meeting focused mainly on the financial conditions of the clubs, with various proposals being debated. MHK (Central Referee Board) President Ferhat Gundogdu also gave a detailed presentation regarding referees.
At the evaluation meeting in Riva, attended by TFF President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu, Club Association and Fenerbahce President Ali Koc, Galatasaray President Dursun Ozbek, Besiktas President Hasan Arat, and Trabzonspor President Ertugrul Dogan, the problems of Turkish football and the economic situation of the clubs were discussed. The clubs called for measures to ensure that the broadcaster does not delay payments and exchanged views on increasing the figures.
MORE ATTENTION IS NEEDED
The summit also addressed recent refereeing errors and related allegations. MHK President Ferhat Gundogdu’s statements on the matter were heard. It was emphasized that the MHK is sensitive about providing fair officiating for all clubs, and the presidents expressed their concerns about being more cautious.
TFF President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu, speaking about the meeting, stated, “It is our responsibility to elevate the brand value of Turkish football to its rightful place. Our esteemed presidents are fully aware of this responsibility. Anatolian clubs are also important to us. We will include Anatolian clubs, with whom we are in constant communication, in these meetings. Turkish football has significant issues, and we believe we can overcome them by working together. We will move Turkish football towards its goals in solidarity.”
SPREADING A CLIMATE OF BROTHERHOOD
“As club presidents, we may be rivals on the field, but after the matches, we are partners. It is our duty to protect the brand value in a way that sets an example for society and the youth. We will work hand-in-hand with the esteemed presidents of our major clubs and the Anatolian clubs to bring Turkish football to its deserved place, both financially and morally. After two meetings, we are seeing the signs that we will succeed.”
NEXT MEETING TO BE HOSTED BY BESIKTAS
TFF President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu mentioned that these meetings will be held regularly, adding, “Thanks to Besiktas President Hasan Arat, who suggested, ‘Let’s hold the first dinner meeting at Besiktas.’ We will visit all the clubs in turn, and later, we will spread this to Anatolia, where we will make evaluations about Turkish football.”
