16.05.2025 14:11
National football player Kerem Aktürkoğlu made a statement on social media regarding the age limit quota rule introduced by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) for the 3rd League. In his post, Aktürkoğlu stated, "As a player who rose from TFF 3rd League to Galatasaray at the age of 21, I believe there should be no age limit in football. Therefore, I believe that this decision should be re-evaluated and revised."
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Our national player Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who plays for the Portuguese team Benfica, published a statement on his social media account regarding the quota rule coming to the 3rd League.
HE MADE A STATEMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
According to the new decision made by the TFF, all clubs in the 3rd League will be able to license a maximum of 5 players born on or before December 31, 2000. While the new rule brings a significant violation of rights for players over 25 years old, the players decided to protest the decision in matches.
While discussions about the new decision continue, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who was previously transferred to Galatasaray while wearing the 3rd league jersey, also drew attention to the grievances experienced with a post.
Here is Kerem's post;
"As an athlete who took the first steps of his professional career in that league, I wanted to share my thoughts in writing regarding the age restriction rule that the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) will implement for players in the TFF 3rd League.
As it is known, starting from the 2025-2026 season, clubs in the TFF 3rd League will be able to have a maximum of five licensed players born on or before December 31, 2000 in their squads.
I am someone who closely knows the many difficulties faced by clubs, coaches, athletes, and club staff in the TFF 3rd League, and I am still in contact with many teammates and my coach. I am aware that everyone involved in making this decision acted with good intentions to find solutions to various problems and minimize issues.
Of course, the fundamental idea behind this change is to allow young athletes under 25 to have more playing time, opportunities, and to contribute to the country's football. Let the young ones play, show themselves, let’s support them, and we must always support them.
However, I believe that this should be achieved without restrictions and bans, without creating grievances for many athletes and their families.
After the new rule; I know that there are many TFF 3rd League athletes who will have to break away from football, which is their only source of income, will face significant financial difficulties, and will have to redirect their lives at the age of 25.
In relation to the number of professional football teams in Turkey, many problems are experienced every day to establish a standard in the TFF 3rd League.
I see that while decisions are made and some rule changes are implemented, everyone is working hard and making efforts to improve the country's football, and I have great respect for that; however, as a player who rose from the TFF 3rd League to Galatasaray at the age of 21, I believe there should be no age limit in football. Therefore, I believe that the aforementioned decision should be reevaluated and revised."
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