New Turkish Football Federation president to ease foreign player limit per team

Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu emerged victorious over Mehmet Buyukeksi with just five votes, becoming the new president of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) in a closely contested election.

The new TFF president announced an easing of the limit of foreign players per team, returning to the system allowing 14 foreign players per team.

However, new criteria, including age and international caps requirements, will be implemented for foreign transfers, similar to those in England.

Haciosmanoglu emphasized his commitment to bringing justice and ending conflicts in Turkish football.

Initial reforms on horizon

Haciosmanoglu has outlined a roadmap for his tenure, with significant changes expected soon. The priority is restructuring the TFF’s committees, including the Central Referee Committee (MHK), the Professional Football Disciplinary Committee (PFDK), and the Arbitration Committee.

• Committees overhaul: All key committees will see new leadership.
• Foreign VAR referees: Using foreign VAR referees will be discontinued.

Supporting Turkish referees

Haciosmanoglu plans to fully support Turkish referees, urging them to act reasonably on the field. The TFF management will take responsibility for any referee mistakes to alleviate pressure on the officials. Efforts to prevent disciplinary actions against club presidents and managers for their comments will be strengthened.

Act justly on the field. We will support you even if you make mistakes.

Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu

Financial, structural support for clubs

Anadolu clubs will receive financial assistance to strengthen their operations, and lower league clubs will be supported in addressing their issues.

• Financial aid: Increased support for regional clubs.
• Lower leagues: Focus on solving problems faced by lower-tier clubs.

National team management

Regarding the national team, Hacıosmanoğlu dismissed rumors about replacing coach Vincenzo Montella with Senol Gunes, emphasizing that no such plans exist.

There are no plans or considerations to replace Montella. We have urgent issues to address and request that such unfounded rumors not be believed

Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu