22.08.2025 08:15
Samsunspor President Yüksel Yıldırım made statements following the match against Panathinaikos. Yüksel Yıldırım called out to the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) regarding the foreign player rule, stating, "The TFF needs to listen to us. If necessary, the number of foreign players should be unrestricted. We cannot find local players to play in the Super League."
In the first match of the UEFA Europa League play-off round, Samsunspor faced Panathinaikos away from home. Samsunspor President Yüksel Yıldırım made statements after the tough match.
''NOT AN UNBEATABLE TEAM''
Evaluating the match, Yüksel Yıldırım said, "Panathinaikos is not an unbeatable team, we saw that today."
''TFF NEEDS TO LISTEN TO US''
Addressing the TFF regarding the foreign player rule, Yıldırım stated, "We talk about the same thing every year in Turkish football. The league has started, all teams are playing with 14 foreigners. But there are those who need them. The TFF needs to listen to us, if necessary, free the foreign players. We can't find a local goalkeeper today, we can't find a local number 6, a local striker, or a winger! There are none in Turkey! There are no players in Turkey! A 5-year program can be made, and the desired steps can be taken gradually. It is not right to punish us today. Everyone has the same problem. The TFF needs to listen, they need to free the rules. Those who are sinking have already sunk! But let's see. There is a lot to be done." he expressed.
TRANSFER STATEMENT
The experienced president also spoke about transfers, saying, "We saw it again today. We have a deficiency in the number 6 position. We need a good number 6. We will play 50 matches this year. We are definitely considering a number 6. Eyüp Aydın is one of them. We have agreed with the player and Galatasaray. However, Galatasaray does not want to sell the player and wants to loan him. Since the player has 1 year left on his contract, it cannot be a loan. The player has demands regarding extending the contract. Negotiations are ongoing. We are waiting. Hopefully, they will reach an agreement within this week. We want a good winger." he stated.