Council proposal for structural transformation and sweeping reforms in Turkish football
To solve the institutional, economic, and structural problems of Turkish football, a council involving all stakeholders is planned to convene, alongside the preparation of a strategic action plan.
It is emphasized that a Turkish Football Council should be convened to address the future of Turkish football through scientific data and the participation of all stakeholders. With a proposed 90-day preparation schedule, the aim is to resolve issues concerning institutional structure, economic sustainability, and infrastructure.
Goals of the Turkish Football Council
The institutional structure of Turkish football, the economic sustainability of clubs, football training, and social participation must converge on the same reform agenda. The primary objective of the council is to jointly identify the causes of problems and prepare a development program with defined responsibilities, budgets, and schedules.
Past Studies and Proposals
In transformation and change projects prepared in 2023 and 2024, football was evaluated as an ecosystem consisting of professional and amateur clubs, footballers, and related sectors. It was stated that solutions must be based on objective criteria and accountability.
Economic and Structural Problems
Inadequate corporate governance, corporatization issues, uncontrolled spending, and growing debts are cited among the core problems. Short-term cash needs must be separated from long-term structural issues.
Participatory Stakeholder Structure
The council should be organized under the coordination of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the TFF. Club representatives, footballers, managers, referees, universities, and fan groups should take part in the decision-making process.
Working Commissions
The working commissions of the council include governance, refereeing and discipline, financing and broadcasting economy, infrastructure and education, regional development, and technology and research commissions.
Ninety-Day Preparation Schedule
The proposed preparation period for the council is 90 days. In the first 30 days, the secretariat structure should be established; in the second 30 days, regional meetings should be conducted; and in the final 30 days, draft reports should be presented and the strategy document published.