20.05.2026 17:20
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin made striking statements before the UEFA Europa League final. Saying that Turkey has an advantage over many European countries for the 2032 European Championship, Ceferin stated, 'I'm not saying this just to be polite. Many countries in Europe have been talking about new stadiums for 20 years and then nothing happens. Turkey has not only talked but also taken action and built excellent facilities. This makes a huge difference.'
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said that Istanbul hosting 3 UEFA finals since 2019 is proof that Turkey can successfully host major UEFA organizations.
''YOU FEEL THE REAL FOOTBALL PASSION''
Ceferin, in his statement to an Anadolu Agency reporter, stated that Turkey is not a developing football country but a major football country, saying, "The difference is that sometimes perception lags behind reality. When you come here, you see the stadiums, clubs, fans, media interest, and the determination of the government and federation, so all the right components are present. But above all, you feel that real football passion. In Turkey, football is important not just on match days, but every day. This is your greatest strength, but also a very great responsibility."
''IT IS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO RETURN HERE''
When asked whether they were satisfied with Turkey's hosting of the 2019 UEFA Super Cup and 2023 UEFA Champions League finals, Ceferin replied, "I think it's very clear; we wouldn't return here again and again if we didn't trust the federation and the city. The 2019 Super Cup, the 2023 Champions League final, and now the 2026 Europa League final at Beşiktaş Park; all of these are proof that Turkey can successfully host major UEFA organizations. Of course, with each final, standards rise. Transportation, security, fan flow, stadium entry and exits are areas where we can still improve the overall fan experience. But the overall outcome is positive. Istanbul is one of the biggest football cities in Europe, and it is always a pleasure to return here."
''TURKEY HAS GAINED A SERIOUS ADVANTAGE OVER MANY EUROPEAN COUNTRIES''
Ceferin, emphasizing that Turkey, which will co-host the 2032 European Football Championship with Italy, is in a very strong position regarding stadiums, said, "I don't say this just to be polite. Many countries in Europe have been talking about new stadiums for 20 years and then nothing happens. Turkey not only talked but took action and built excellent facilities. This makes a huge difference. Stadiums alone are not enough to organize a European Championship, but without stadiums, you cannot organize such a tournament. Your country realized this and gained a serious advantage over many European countries."
''A COUNTRY LIKE TURKEY SHOULDN'T HAVE WAITED 24 YEARS''
Ceferin noted that Turkey will go to the 2026 FIFA World Cup highly motivated to prove it belongs there, saying, "A country like Turkey shouldn't have waited 24 years to reach the World Cup. Now the task is not just to participate, but to act like a team that belongs there, to be brave and compete. I expect you to be a team no one wants to face."
''ARDA AND KENAN ARE EXTRAORDINARY TALENTS''
Regarding the question about which players he likes in the Turkish National Team, Aleksander Ceferin said:
"Usually I avoid making a ranking because tomorrow many club presidents will complain that I didn't mention their player (laughs). Joking aside, I can say that very few teams in the world have a midfield as talented as Turkey's. Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız are extraordinary talents; the present and future of European football. Hakan Çalhanoğlu adds authority and experience to the team. Yet I believe your true strength comes from the unity, intensity, and trust among you. And when the team spirit is high, it's easier for individuals to shine."
''THE PROGRESS OF TURKISH CLUBS IN EUROPE SHOULD BE COLLECTIVELY APPRECIATED''
Ceferin emphasized that Turkish clubs should not settle for emotional victories or just one big night, stating, "Galatasaray's return to the big spotlight of Europe is an important signal. They should be one of the main actors in UEFA tournaments every year, including the Champions League. Galatasaray showed this ambition: they won the Süper Lig championship for the fourth consecutive time and reached the Round of 16 in the Champions League. However, the recent European progress of Turkish clubs should be collectively appreciated. Credit should be given not only to Galatasaray, but also to Fenerbahçe's long marches, and the presence of Beşiktaş, Başakşehir, and Sivasspor in the qualifying rounds. Progress has been made, but the next step is harder. Being able to compete every year without seeing it as a miracle."
''TURKEY HAS POTENTIAL''
In response to the question, "As UEFA President, what do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of Turkish football?", Ceferin replied, "The strength of Turkish football lies in its passion, talent, infrastructure, big clubs, and the people who truly care about football. The weakness is impatience. Too many decisions are made emotionally. Too many projects are judged after just three matches. Too many clubs still think short-term. If Turkey wants to take the next step, buying famous players or building impressive stadiums is not enough. You need academies, coaching, refereeing, financial discipline, and women's football. Investing in youth is always the best. Turkey has potential, yes. But I will go further: Turkey has enough potential to demand more from itself."
''HACIOSMANOĞLU IS SOMEONE I HIGHLY VALUE''
Stating that his relationship with the Turkish Football Federation has always been professional, constructive, and based on friendship and mutual respect, Ceferin said, "President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu is someone I highly value, not only for the seriousness and determination he shows in addressing issues related to integrity in Turkish football, but also for the sincerity and warmth he brings to his role. He clearly understands that transparency and accountability are fundamental for the credibility of the game, and his efforts help restore trust in the process among clubs, players, referees, and fans."