Statement from Aziz Yıldırım on the presidency: Will he be a candidate?

Former Fenerbahçe president Aziz Yıldırım has released a statement addressing recent claims that he will run for the presidency again.

Aziz Yıldırım's statement is as follows:

''I have observed that many claims involving my name regarding the Fenerbahçe Sports Club presidency have been appearing in the public eye with the phrase 'he will definitely be a candidate.'

As I have clearly stated recently, the Fenerbahçe football team is fighting on the path to the championship, and the club's agenda should be the championship, not the presidency. However, the community is persistently being distracted from the championship agenda, and the technical staff and the team are being negatively affected by this situation. This should never be allowed.

As I expressed in response to a question at a press conference I held in recent months, I set forth a set of principles that are extremely important for our club, stating: 'If people who are FETÖ members, cultists, or who have benefited from the club in any way become candidates, and if no one else runs against them, then I will be a candidate.'

At this point, there are still months until the ordinary elective general assembly, and all these discussions are baseless. Our team needs the championship, but the community's agenda is being persistently steered away from the championship. Fenerbahçe does not have a concern like the presidency right now.

If I have any plans, the public will learn about them from me personally, not from third parties. Therefore, no one has the right to make statements on my behalf. When the time for the ordinary elective general assembly comes, the necessary statements will be made. In the Fenerbahçe Sports Club, which has more than fifty thousand members, it is possible for many suitable candidates to emerge for the presidency, and when the time comes, these people should come forward as candidates. If they do not, that is a sad situation. However, it is too early to talk about these things, and there is no need for debate.

I expect no one to speak on my behalf, and I request the public to note that when the time comes, the necessary statements will be made by me personally, and that no information other than this should be given any credence.''