09.12.2025 19:50
In Edirnespor, where 10 players received bans due to betting allegations from the TFF, 7 more players referred to the PFDK have also received bans. Head coach Ümit Tütünci stated, "Our situation is very dire; we need support now. It's unbearable. We want the prominent figures of our city, our governor, our esteemed mayor, and anyone in that system, in that board, to stand by us."
The Turkish Football Federation imposed a ban on 10 players from Edirnespor, who were referred to the PFDK regarding betting allegations across the country, with penalties ranging from 45 days to 12 months on November 19.
17 PLAYERS PENALIZED, THEY ARE SEEKING SUPPORT After the initial penalties, the TFF referred 7 more players from Edirnespor to the PFDK in a second wave, who also received bans. With a total of 17 players penalized, the team has 12 players left in the squad, and head coach Ümit Tütünci called for urgent transfers, stating that support is needed.
'OUR SITUATION IS VERY GRAVE' During a press conference held with sports director Ahmet Erginler at the Tunca Stadium, Tütünci stated that they are in a very difficult situation, saying, "It's a very tough situation. This is no longer something that the technical staff or the club can solve. We already had significant deficiencies. We were a team that gathered late. We hadn't had a camp, and just as we were starting to settle things, the first names announced by our federation came out. We certainly did not expect amateurs at this point. We were at least thinking of gathering as many as we could until the mid-season break. But in the current situation, it's no longer bearable; there is no one left. We are in a significant predicament. You see, we are training with 13-14 people. Even though 2-3 people are penalized, we are still bringing them to training. Our situation is very grave," he said.
'WE NEED SUPPORT NOW' Tütünci, stating that they could not fill the positions of the penalized players due to the club's financial difficulties, expressed that they are waiting for support, saying, "Right now, we couldn't think about solving the player shortage; we couldn't do anything. We have no moves. All of these are a financial burden. When we came here, believe me, I don't know how much you believe in my sincerity, but significant sacrifices were made. Very big sacrifices were made. Some things here are no longer bearable. Believe me, we have reached the end of everything. We are here today, but we may not be here tomorrow. This team belongs to this city. We are just passing through. But someone needs to take ownership of this team now. Every city has incredibly large dynamics, and those dynamics are behind everyone. We have not seen or received any support from anywhere in any way. I am an outsider here. Unless something is given to me, there is nothing I can do. No matter what happens, until the last person remains, we will fight for this city and this emblem. But we just need a little support here now. It is no longer bearable. We want our city's prominent figures; our governor, our esteemed mayor, whoever is in that system, in that board, to just support us," he said.
Calling on fans to support them in the match against Çorluspor, which they will play at home on Friday, Tütünci said, "Even if I go out with the U19 team, I will go out to win. There is nothing to be done. I am not someone who will complain a lot. But football has its own dynamics. We will play against Çorlu on Friday. Çorlu is one of the teams that spends the most money in this league and is a very quality team. We want our brothers who step onto the field that day to be supported until the end, regardless of the score," he said.
'IF SUPPORT DOES NOT COME, THE EMBLEM WILL FALL' Sports director Ahmet Erginler also stated that Edirnespor is facing very tough days if financial support does not come, saying, "If we have no money right now, very tough days await us. This emblem will fall. Last week, I mentioned in a press conference that 4-5 of our friends from Edirne helped Edirnespor. I said Edirne should not be this small. Only one institution did not remain indifferent, and an 8-year-old child also did not remain indifferent. He sent us his pocket money. But I still look around. Unfortunately, we have become an indifferent city. I was not aware of this much. We have been left incredibly ownerless. Perhaps what I am saying will hurt some segments, but unfortunately, it is true. We urgently need financial support from our esteemed governor, our esteemed mayor, our police chief, NGOs, and Edirnespor fans. If financial support does not come, there is no longer much meaning in talking," he expressed.