Büyükekşi re-elected in Türkiye

Büyükekşi was elected as TFF president last year. Following his confirmation in office, he reviewed his first term at the helm and explained his visions for the future at an important time for football in Türkiye. Both the Republic of Türkiye and the national association celebrate their centenaries this year.

“During our four-year mandate,” he told congress delegates, “we will try to carry Turkish football forward in the sporting field; increase the revenues of clubs and broadcasting rights; take our national teams and clubs to higher positions in the European and world rankings; increase the number of spectators in the stadiums; and raise the reputation, image and love of Turkish football.”

“In this centenary year of the Republic of Türkiye,” Büyükekşi added, “there are many things that we want to do for Turkish football and our country. Our target is not only to qualify for EURO 2024 – we also want to leave our mark on the tournament.”

Türkiye has recently submitted bids to stage either UEFA EURO 2028 or the following tournament four years later, and Istanbul hosted the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan earlier this month.

Strategic plans and strong foundations

Büyükekşi spoke of the TFF’s strategic plan – “The Game Plan” – and its various objectives. “We are still working on these targets,” he said. “We will reach several throughout the remaining part of the year and conclude our project at the end of 2023.”

“In order for Turkish football to progress on strong foundations, we have also launched our Football Academy Project. In the next ten years, we want to produce homegrown talents for our national teams, and also provide a pool of Turkish players so that our clubs do not rely so much on imported talents.”

Another TFF initiative focuses on referee development. “We have established a refereeing academy to develop and increase the number of referees and raise the level of refereeing,” said Büyükekşi. “Our referees are now being educated in a body that can develop and support them right from the beginning of their careers.”

The TFF president added that the association is aiming to reorganise the formats of Turkey’s Super League, as well as the other top three domestic divisions and the Turkish Cup. “We want to increase the brand value, as well as the sponsorship and broadcasting revenues of our competitions,” he reflected.