17.04.2025 15:00
The Turkish Football Federation announced through a statement on its official website that it will reduce the number of professional teams that increased during the pandemic period. In the statement, it was mentioned that the Super League will be played with 18 teams next season.
The Turkish Football Federation announced that starting from the next season, 18 teams will compete in the Super League. The TFF also announced the planned number of teams in the lower leagues.
In a statement from the TFF, it was mentioned, "The Board of Directors of the Turkish Football Federation held a meeting on April 16, 2025, at the Riva Hasan Doğan National Teams Camp and Training Facilities; during the meeting, a decision was made to reduce the number of teams in professional leagues."
The number of teams in professional football leagues was 125 in the 2019-2020 season; due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the common request of the Clubs Union to eliminate relegation was accepted, and relegation was not applied at the end of the season. In the 2020-21 season, the number of teams in professional leagues increased to 145.
In the 2020-2021 season, with 21 teams playing in the Super League, it was aimed to gradually reduce the number of teams in all leagues; however, the requests of clubs affected by the earthquake disaster in 2023 to withdraw from the league were accepted, and the planned number was not reached.
In order to increase club revenues and create a stronger competitive environment, the number of teams in professional leagues, which will have 139 teams competing in the 2025-2026 season, will be gradually reduced, and the current number of 139 professional teams will be decreased to 120 according to the relegation and promotion numbers specified by season in the visual below.