17.05.2025 11:20
The Turkish Football Federation's (TFF) decision regarding age restrictions in the 3rd League has put the careers of thousands of footballers at risk. According to the decision made by the TFF, 3rd League teams can only have 5 players over the age of 25 in their 25-man squads. This situation has left over 1,500 footballers in a difficult position.
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The President of the Professional Footballers Association, Saffet Akyüz, reacted to the TFF's rule that allows only 5 players over the age of 25 in the 25-player squad of 3rd League clubs.
1500 PLAYERS IN A DIFFICULT SITUATION
The TFF decision that allows only 5 players over the age of 25 in the 25-player squads of teams in the 3rd League has put more than 1500 players in a difficult situation.
"IT HAS BEEN SEEN THAT IT HAS NO BENEFIT"
Akyüz stated that one of the most important stakeholders of this decision is the players, yet they were not consulted at all. He said, "A rule that was established 15 years ago and then abolished has been reintroduced. It was seen at that time that it had no benefit."
In summary, Akyüz stated, "This decision affects over 1500 players. A player will develop if they are going to develop by the time they reach 25 years old. Many star players who play in the Super League have moved up without staying more than a year in the 3rd League. But if we leave players over the age of 25 unemployed, what will they do? How will they start life again? We believe that this decision, which victimizes the players, will be corrected. If we cannot find a solution through dialogue, we may resort to legal means."
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