18.02.2025 14:30
Galatasaray Club President Dursun Özbek responded to the Turkish Football Federation's invitation for the presidents of Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray to meet before the derby. Özbek said, "Now we should ask this: Did these values you mentioned come to your mind now? Where have you been for the past 8 months? I want it to be known that I will not be a part of this for the sake of a publicity stunt."
The TFF had invited the presidents of Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray Clubs, Ali Koç and Dursun Özbek, to meet in Riva before the derby. Dursun Özbek responded to the TFF's invitation.
Dursun Özbek's statements are as follows;
"Yesterday, a letter signed by the TFF President reached our club. They are organizing a consultation meeting and mention a meeting that Ali Koç and he will attend. The letter briefly refers to the brand value of Turkish football and discusses how important this derby is.
"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN FOR 8 MONTHS?"
Now, one must ask, why did these values you mentioned above come to your mind now? Where have you been for the past 8 months? I shared the content of the letter with my friends, and despite the seemingly good-natured expressions in the letter, I approached what was said with skepticism.
Indeed, in the evening hours, the TFF announced this meeting. They announced the meeting without even receiving a response from us. At that moment, I realized how right I was in my concerns. Their real aim was different. I leave this call to your discretion, as they made this call without waiting for our response and just an hour before our important match. I want it to be known that I will not be a part of this advertising campaign."