Türkiye is gearing as much as take middle stage in international sports activities, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is assured within the nation’s capacity to host any main worldwide occasion, together with the Olympics.
Speaking on the opening of UEFA’s new Istanbul workplace on Thursday, Erdoğan highlighted Türkiye’s outstanding sports activities infrastructure and fast progress over the previous 23 years, pushed by substantial investments.
“We have raised Türkiye’s capacity to a level where we can host every international sporting event, including the Olympics,” Erdoğan stated. “Our national teams shine in UEFA’s tournaments every year, and we’ve captured the hearts of football fans.”
Türkiye’s sports activities infrastructure has undergone a outstanding transformation.
Erdoğan revealed that the variety of sports activities amenities has skyrocketed from 1,575 to 4,470, with new high-capacity stadiums changing outdated ones.
“We have built and upgraded facilities, with 38 already in operation and four more under construction,” he added. In addition, Türkiye’s transport infrastructure has been bolstered with the variety of airports rising from 26 to 58.
Erdoğan’s speech additionally touched on the nation’s unity within the wake of latest challenges.
Referring to the devastating earthquake in Istanbul, he emphasised that this isn’t the time for politics however for solidarity. “We do not want to turn tragic events like the earthquake into political talking points,” he stated. “It would be a disrespect to our nation.”
Istanbul has been the stage for quite a few main UEFA occasions, together with the 2005 UEFA Champions League remaining, the 2009 UEFA Cup remaining, the 2019 UEFA Super Cup remaining, and the 2023 UEFA Champions League remaining.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin expressed his pleasure about Türkiye’s function within the upcoming 2032 UEFA European Championship, which will probably be co-hosted by Türkiye and Italy.
“We are opening this office to strengthen our relationship with Türkiye and to ensure we deliver the best European Championship ever,” Ceferin said at a gala dinner in Istanbul.
He added that UEFA’s resolution to determine a everlasting presence in Istanbul underscores Türkiye’s pivotal function in European soccer.
“Istanbul is a city that blends history and modernity,” stated Ceferin, praising the town’s distinctive place as a bridge between two continents. “Every time I visit, it feels like home.”
The UEFA workplace, which is the third such illustration after Brussels and London, will function a key hub for the group’s operations within the area.
Turkish Football Federation (TFF) President Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu highlighted the significance of this workplace for strengthening ties between UEFA and Türkiye.
“This office will further solidify Istanbul’s role as a global football center,” he stated, noting that Türkiye’s soccer infrastructure has reached world-class requirements.
Hacıosmanoğlu additionally prolonged due to President Erdoğan, whose assist for sports activities has been instrumental in reworking the nation’s sports activities panorama.
“With President Erdoğan’s encouragement, Türkiye now boasts state-of-the-art stadiums and a robust infrastructure capable of hosting any international competition,” he added.
Looking forward, the TFF’s vice chairman, Mecnun Otyakmaz, expressed optimism about Türkiye’s soccer future, together with upcoming UEFA occasions.
“With the UEFA office now in Istanbul, we expect Türkiye to host more major events, including the 2026 Europa League Final and the 2027 Conference League Final,” Otyakmaz stated.
He additionally mentioned Türkiye’s ambition to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing the significance of teamwork and management.
Source: www.dailysabah.com