Lower-league footballers react sharply to TFF decision

Footballers led by Saffet Akyüz, President of the Turkish Professional Footballers Association (TPFD), gathered in front of the TFF Hasan Doğan National Teams Camp and Training Center. Akyüz made statements to the press following a meeting with the TFF management.

Stating that the TFF's decision was made without consulting the players and clubs, Akyüz said, "We met with the federation president and Mecnun Otyakmaz. We explained that the decision was wrong and that the best players should be the ones playing. However, the federation stated that they would not take a step back. They said that 3rd League clubs are in trouble, and we expressed that club structures need to change," he said.

The TPFD President stated that if a positive result is not achieved, they will apply to the Arbitration Board and seek the rights of the footballers. Akyüz added, "If we do not receive the necessary support, we will make our voices heard on every platform."

Stating that they will meet with 2nd and 3rd League club presidents tomorrow, Akyüz emphasized that the federation's decision is not unchangeable. "Officials are here today, others will come tomorrow. Decisions also need to be in favor of the footballers," he said.

'RIGID' ASSESSMENT OF THE FEDERATION'S APPROACH

Footballer Yasin Palaz described the federation's approach as "rigid," while expressing hope that the President and the federation president would understand them. Palaz drew attention to the importance of young and experienced players playing together.

Experienced footballer Sezer Özmen said, "It is sad to lose our livelihood. We do not want the decision to be revised, we want it to be completely changed."

According to the TFF's new regulation, 3rd League clubs will be able to include a maximum of 5 players born on or before December 31, 2000, in their squads. This decision has drawn great reaction among footballers and led to protests.