Kerem Aktürkoğlu reacts to age limit

Our national football player Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who plays for Benfica, made a statement on his social media account regarding the quota rule introduced by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) for players born on or before December 31, 2000, in the 3rd League. This new regulation limits the licensing of football players over the age of 25 to five people, which means a loss of rights for many players.

Sharing his thoughts against this decision, Aktürkoğlu stated that he agrees that more opportunities should be given to young players, but that this should be done not with restrictions, but with a more inclusive approach. Reminding that he himself transferred to Galatasaray from the 3rd League, the player argued that the age limit should be reconsidered.

Kerem Aktürkoğlu's statement is as follows:

'I wanted to write down and share my thoughts as an athlete who took the first steps of his professional career in the TFF 3rd League regarding the age restriction rule that will be implemented for football players playing in the TFF 3rd League.

As is known, starting from the 2025-2026 season, clubs in the TFF 3rd League will be able to have a maximum of five licensed players in their squads who were born on or before December 31, 2000.

I am someone who knows closely the many difficulties experienced by clubs, coaches, athletes, and club employees in the TFF 3rd League, and who is still in contact with many teammates and coaches. I am aware that while this decision was being made, everyone who had a say used their initiative in good faith and acted in this direction in order to find solutions to the various problems experienced and to minimize the issues.

'LET THE YOUTH PLAY, LET THEM SHOW THEMSELVES'

Of course, the idea behind this change is that young athletes under the age of 25 should get more playing time, find opportunities, and be brought into the country's football. Let the youth play, let them show themselves, let us support them, and we should always support them.

However, I believe that this should be achieved without restrictions and bans, and without creating grievances for many athletes and their families.

Following the new rule, I know that there are many TFF 3rd League athletes who will be forced to break away from football, which is their only source of income, will experience great financial difficulties, and will have to redirect their lives at the age of 25.

In relation to the number of professional football teams in Turkey, many problems are experienced every day in order to establish standards in the TFF 3rd League.

While decisions are made and some rule changes are implemented, I see that everyone is working and making an effort to make the country's football better, and I have great respect for this; however, as a football player who rose from the TFF 3rd League to Galatasaray at the age of 21, I think there should be no age limit in football.

Therefore, I believe that the decision in question should be re-evaluated and revised.'