Ali Koç re-elected as president of the Union of Clubs Foundation

The meeting, held at the foundation's headquarters in Maslak, was attended by Fenerbahçe Sports Club President Ali Koç, Beşiktaş Sports Club President Hasan Arat, Galatasaray Sports Club Second President Metin Öztürk, and presidents or representatives of other clubs in the Süper Lig.

Speaking after the meeting, Adana Demirspor Club President Murat Sancak stated that most of the clubs had proposed Beşiktaş Club President Hasan Arat for the presidency, but that Arat had declined the nomination in order to dedicate more time to Beşiktaş. Sancak explained that upon Arat's decision not to run, they requested that Ali Koç stand for the position, and that he responded positively to this request.

Sancak said, "18 of the 19 clubs, excluding Galatasaray, voted in favor of Ali Koç. Galatasaray voted against."

"We have elected Ali Koç as the Union of Clubs President for the upcoming season. I congratulate him," said Sancak, adding, "We also congratulate the newly elected Turkish Football Federation President. I hope both our presidents will remain in consultation to resolve the issues facing Turkish football."

"I HAD NO INTENTION OF CONTINUING"

Ali Koç, who was re-elected as president of the Union of Clubs Foundation, said, "Without exception, all clubs wanted President Hasan. He asked to be excused due to his recent appointment and his desire to dedicate more time to his club. I had no intention of continuing," adding that he continued in the presidency due to the "favor, trust, and intense pressure" of the club presidents.

Congratulating İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu on his election as TFF president, Koç stated the following:

"I hope we can do good work together with the new federation. Everyone in the outgoing federation tried to do their best, with their virtues and faults. There were points where we disagreed. There were points where we agreed. They disagreed with Fenerbahçe the most, but in the end, there was sincere effort and labor put in here. It is a voluntary job. It requires great responsibility. It is a position that is targeted in the public eye every day, every hour. I thank them for the time they spent for football. Best of luck to the new federation president, Mr. İbrahim, and his team. I hope they take major steps toward ensuring justice in Turkish football, as they have stated. We, as the Union of Clubs, must support the new federation."

Koç expressed that clubs should have more say regarding the future of football.

"MY ONLY PRIORITY IS BEŞİKTAŞ"

Regarding the offer for the Union of Clubs presidency, Beşiktaş Club President Hasan Arat said, "The only reason is Beşiktaş, of course. I have a promise to my community. My only priority right now is Beşiktaş. They showed great favor. I thank them on behalf of the Beşiktaş community. I asked to be excused from the duty. We have a lot of work to do at Beşiktaş. There are important goals. Mr. Ali carried it well. We are pleased that he accepted it again. I wish him and his board of directors success."

Arat added, "I believe the newly elected federation will also achieve important things."

"THERE IS ALSO GOOD IN STABILITY"

Eyüpspor Club President Murat Özkaya, whose name was mentioned for the presidency, said, "Our friends made their decision in favor of stability. There is also good in stability. It is a new federation; it is necessary to manage these relationships and correctly understand the demands of the clubs. May it be beneficial for Turkish football."

Özkaya stated, "The job of Turkish football is very difficult. We must overcome this with the support of you, the members of the press, and the fans. The federation also needs to structure itself correctly and move forward as soon as possible. Turkish football needs this. Let there be peace and happiness now. Let us watch football on the pitch. Let there be viewing pleasure. We look forward to seeing the fans in the stands. May the season be auspicious."

News Source: AA