Wednesday, May 20th 2026
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said that Turkey’s hosting of three UEFA finals since 2019 has proven the country’s ability to successfully host major European football events.
In an exclusive interview with Anadolu, Ceferin said that Turkey should not be considered a developing football nation, but a great force.
“When you come here, you see stadiums, clubs, fans, media attention, commitment from the government and the federation, all the right ingredients are there,” he said.
“But, above all, feel the authentic football fever. In Turkey, football is important every day, not only on match days. This is your great strength, but it is also a great responsibility,” he said.
Ceferin praised his relationship with the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), describing it as professional and constructive.
“Your president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu is someone for whom I have great respect, not only for the seriousness and determination he has shown in dealing with issues related to integrity in Turkish football, but also for the sincerity and warmth he brings to his role,” he said.
“He clearly understands that transparency and accountability are essential to the credibility of the game, and his efforts are helping to restore confidence in the process for clubs, players, referees and fans,” Ceferin added.
– Turkey’s rise as a major football organizer
Asked if UEFA was satisfied with Turkey hosting the 2019 UEFA Super Cup and the 2023 Champions League final, Ceferin said that UEFA would not return to Istanbul again and again without trust in the city and the federation.
“The 2019 Super Cup, the final of The 2023 Champions League and now the 2026 Europa League final at Besiktas Park are proof that Turkey can host major UEFA events,” he said.
“Transport, security, fan movement and arrival and departure from the stadium are areas where we can still improve the overall fan experience,” Ceferin said.
He called Istanbul “a of the big football cities in Europe,” saying that “it’s always a pleasure to come back here”.
– EURO 2032 and stadium infrastructure
Ceferin also praised Turkey’s stadium infrastructure ahead of UEFA EURO 2032, which will be co-hosted with Italy.
“Many countries in Europe have been talking about new stadiums for 20 years and then nothing happens,” he said. he.
“Turkey turned words into deeds and built great facilities. This makes a big difference,” Ceferin emphasized, adding: “Your country has recognized this and gained a serious advantage over many European countries.”
– Expectations for Turkey at the 2026 World Cup
Ceferin said that Turkey should not have waited 24 years to return to the FIFA World Cup and he expects the national team to be highly motivated in the 2026 tournament.
“Now the task is not only to participate, but also to behave like a team that belongs there. Be brave and competitive,” he said.
“I expect you to be a team that no one will want to play against,” Ceferin emphasized.
– Ceferin appreciates the talent of the Turkish midfield
Asked who Turkish players have impressed him the most, Ceferin praised the quality of the national team’s midfield.
“Very few teams in the world have such a talented midfield as Turkey”, he said.
Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz “are outstanding talents and the present and future of European football”, he added, while Hakan Calhanoglu “brings authority and experience”.
– Turkish clubs are required to be consistent in Europe
Ceferin said that Turkish clubs should aim for sustained success in Europe and not isolated achievements.
“Galatasaray’s return to the European limelight is an important signal. Galatasaray has shown ambition: it won its fourth consecutive Super League title and reached the last 16 stage of the Champions League,” he said.
“Turkish clubs should not be satisfied with emotional victories or a big night. They should be protagonists in UEFA competitions every year, including the Champions League,” Ceferin emphasized.
He also praised the recent European performances of Turkish clubs such as Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, Besiktas, Istanbul Basaksehir and Sivasspor.
– Patience and long-term planning in Turkish football
“Progress has been made, but the next step is more difficult: to compete every year without treating it as a miracle,” he said. he.
Ceferin described impatience as the main weakness of Turkish football, saying many decisions are made emotionally and many clubs still think short-term.
“If Turkey wants to take the next step, it is not enough to buy famous players or build impressive stadiums,” he said, adding: “You need academies, training, refereeing, financial discipline and women’s football. Investing in youth is always the best bet.”
Source: prizrenpost
Etiketa: Brief
