Sports writer and commentator Uğur Meleke has once again announced that he will be a candidate for the presidency of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) in the first upcoming election. Stating in his column in Hürriyet that he has added new items to the manifesto he announced on July 1, Meleke promised to make comprehensive changes to the federation's management if elected.
In his column, Meleke stated that he would "put an end to the current mafia-like jargon," "end hooliganism in suits," and base his administration on merit rather than loyalty. Stating that he would center his management approach on science and innovation, Meleke argued that the decision-making mechanisms of Turkish football should be granted a broader representative structure.
Noting that the TFF's annual budget is 8.5 billion lira and that there are over 400 personnel in the federation, Meleke stated that the current delegate system does not sufficiently represent all stakeholders of football. Meleke pointed out that of the 320 delegates, only 5 are former footballers and 4 are technical directors.
Reminding that 64 delegate signatures are required for candidacy, Meleke wrote that if elected president, he aims to ensure that former national footballers, high-level technical directors, referees, and other stakeholders of the sports community are included in the delegate structure in the correct proportions.
MELEKE'S PROMINENT PROMISES
In Meleke's new 10-point package, changing the structure of the TFF board of directors, ensuring the representation of the fundamental stakeholders of the sport in management, and reconsidering the current Central Referee Committee (MHK) model stood out. Meleke advocated for a public lottery method in referee assignments and stated that a foreign referee instructor with high international brand value should serve in the long term.
Proposing that the VAR room and the broadcaster be opened to audit, Meleke stated that club representatives could be present as observers at the VAR center in Riva and during the direction operations of match broadcasts. He also noted that stadiums should be inspected by independent auditors regarding basic criteria such as entry-exit, seating arrangements, cafeterias, and restrooms.
Writing that criteria such as stadium occupancy rates and qualifying for the group stages in European cups could be taken into account in the distribution of the broadcasting pool, Meleke proposed that the league calendar be re-planned in terms of preparation for European preliminary rounds. Increasing Süper Lig match squads from 21 to 23 was also among his promises.
Meleke also advocated for the removal of the foreign player limit, the introduction of a criteria-based visa application instead, placing limits on technical staff changes for clubs, the abolition of national team bonuses, and directing the TFF budget toward infrastructure and children.
Stating that he would leave the presidency at the end of four years if he takes office, Meleke said his goal is to bring Turkish football into a corporate structure. Uğur Meleke is known for his identity as an economist, journalist, columnist, and television commentator.
News Source: 12punto
