Bahri Vreskala: Foreign Athlete and Coach Policy Brings Failure
Sports figure Bahri Vreskala, who has served Turkish sports for many years, argued that the excessive use of foreign athletes and coaches causes failure, proposing long-term systems based on domestic resources.
Bahri Vreskala, who has served in various capacities in Turkish sports for many years, stated that the excessive use of foreign athletes and coaches is setting Turkish sports back. Arguing that long-term systems must be established with domestic athletes and coaches, Vreskala emphasized that past international successes were achieved with this mindset.
Increase of Foreigners in Turkish Sports
Sports figure Bahri Vreskala stated that an excessive number of foreign athletes and coaches in sports over the past 30 years has not provided the expected benefit. He noted that as a result of erroneous practices, the country has begun to be known as a haven for foreigners.
He drew attention to the fact that despite having 14 foreign football players in Süper Lig clubs today, the desired success in the international arena has not been achieved.
Historical Successes of the Past
He recalled that in 2000, Galatasaray under the management of Fatih Terim became the European champion, and in 2002, the A National Football Team under Şenol Güneş achieved third place in the world.
He emphasized that these major successes were won with our own coaches and local youth during a period when squads had a maximum of three foreign players, rather than the high number of foreigners seen today.
Successful Infrastructure Model in Volleyball
He stated that the Volleyball Federation implemented a successful system in women's volleyball by accommodating only one foreign player in teams and proceeding with young players.
He expressed that thanks to sports schools opened nationwide and long-term projects, team-based European and world championships were won, achieving lasting successes.
World Athletics Decision
He recalled that World Athletics rejected the request of the Turkish Athletics Federation regarding 11 foreign athletes wanting to compete by changing their citizenship.
He noted that with this decision, the association stated that member federations should develop their own countries' talents and that forming national teams through external transfers contradicts fair competition principles.
Honor in Sports and Long-Term System
Arguing that money isn't everything and that honor in sports comes before money, Bahri Vreskala noted that he found the World Athletics decision to be correct.
He reiterated that success is possible not through short-term solutions that save the day, but through permanent systems to be established with our own athletes and coaches.