Dursun Özbek responds to TFF's meeting invitation

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) decided to organize a meeting to bring the presidents of the two clubs together ahead of the Fenerbahçe - Galatasaray derby to be played in the Süper Lig. However, Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek gave a sharp response to this call from the TFF. Questioning the timing and purpose of the meeting, Özbek argued that it was not a well-intentioned initiative.

"DID THE BRAND VALUE OF FOOTBALL ONLY JUST OCCUR TO YOU?"

Speaking about the invitation letter sent to the club signed by the TFF President, Özbek questioned the federation's sincerity:

"Yesterday, a letter signed by the TFF President reached our club. In this letter, it was stated that a consultation meeting would be held with the participation of Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç and myself. The letter emphasizes the brand value of Turkish football and the importance of the derby."

Stating that the TFF has ignored these values for eight months, Özbek reacted by saying, "Did the brand value of football only just occur to you now? Where have you been for eight months?"

"IT TURNED OUT THEIR REAL INTENTIONS WERE ELSEWHERE"

Özbek also criticized the TFF for announcing the meeting before receiving the club's response:

"Before we even gave an answer, the TFF announced the meeting to the public in the evening hours. That was when I realized their real intentions were elsewhere. I leave this call, made without even waiting for our response, to the discretion of the public."

The Galatasaray President argued that the meeting was intended to be turned into a publicity stunt, saying, "If their goal is a publicity stunt, I want it to be known that I will not be a part of it."

News Source: 12punto