He had called him 'a chance for Istanbul': Galatasaray fans launch petition against Dursun Özbek

Following Galatasaray Club President Dursun Özbek's expression of support for AKP's Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) mayoral candidate Murat Kurum, a group of Galatasaray members has launched a petition against Özbek.  

Özbek's remarks that "Murat Kurum is a chance for Istanbul" caused discomfort among Galatasaray members. 

"YOU CANNOT ANNOUNCE YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCE WITH THE TITLE OF PRESIDENT"

A group of members launched a petition to share their reactions with the public.

The following statements were used in the campaign text: 

"Dear Dursun Özbek, our club cannot have political preferences or make political statements. We are an impartial institution and should not go beyond stating that we are ready to work with any state institution that comes to power through elections. You cannot announce your personal preference with the title of Galatasaray Sports Club President. We share with the public our belief that the Galatasaray Sports Club, born from an institution that is free in thought, free in conscience, and free in wisdom, must remain impartial. Those who wish to sign the campaign can send an email to snozbekeacikmektup@gmail.com by the evening of January 23, including their first and last names and the phrase 'I sign'." 

WHAT HAPPENED?

AKP's IMM mayoral candidate Murat Kurum visited the Galatasaray club as part of his election campaign visits to football clubs. Following the visit, Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek stated, "I know my dear minister's perspective on Istanbul very well. We had the opportunity to discuss these both during his time at Emlak Konut and within the scope of his duties after becoming a minister. My personal opinion is that the minister is a chance for Istanbul... I am extremely confident that he will continue his activities specifically within the framework of Istanbul's needs," he said.