Turkish Cypriot President Slams Football Body Merger

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Dervis Eroglu has criticized the expected merger of Cyprus Turkish Football Association, or the KTFF, with the Greek Cyprus Football Association, or the KOP.



"The Greek side will not give any benefit to the Turkish football with this merger," Eroglu said Monday. He reportedly also phoned the KTFF Chairman Hasan Sertoglu at the weekend.



Eroglu said that he told Sertoglu that the Turkish Federation had legislation and rules, which would require amendments to accommodate the merger.



"Therefore, the federation cannot join the KOP unless Sertoglu reforms the federation," the president said.



Eroglu also spoke about the recent visit of Yildirim Demiroren, chairman of Turkish Football Federation, to TRNC. "The visit was about transferring Turkish Cypriot footballers to amateur teams in Turkey," he said.



www.aa.com.tr/en - Ankara