TFF's decision puts 1,500 footballers at risk!
The age limit decision implemented by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) in the 3rd League is pushing the careers of many footballers into uncertainty.
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The TFF's decision that 3rd League teams can have a maximum of 5 players over the age of 25 in their squads has sparked controversy in the football community. This regulation puts the future of approximately 1,500 footballers at risk.
Professional Footballers Association President Saffet Akyüz reacted harshly to this decision. Akyüz stated that although footballers are the most important stakeholders in this decision, they were not consulted. "Reintroducing a rule that was implemented and then abolished 15 years ago is surprising, as it was seen to be useless even back then," he said.
In his statements, Akyüz included the following remarks: "This decision affects over 1,500 footballers. If a player is going to develop, they will have done so by the time they reach 25. Many star players playing in the Super Lig moved up without staying in the 3rd League for more than a year. However, if we leave the players who remain below unemployed after the age of 25, what will these men do? How will they start life over? We believe that this decision, which victimizes players, will be corrected. If we cannot find a solution through dialogue, we may resort to legal channels."