Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç Outlines Future Plans in Press Conference

Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç held a press conference at the Fenerbahçe Faruk Ilgaz Facilities regarding his candidacy.

Ali Koç’s Statements:

“We Faced Both Our Successes and Mistakes Head-On”

“We are aware that our goals have not yet reached the desired level. We have analyzed the entire process and critically evaluated ourselves from an external perspective. In our first term, there were things we did not do right with our football team. You can question us about our transfer choices and coach selections. I openly admit that we learned a lot from past experiences and now understand much better what needs to be done.”

“We Didn’t Expect It to Be This Bad”

“Upon arrival, we assessed the economic situation. We expected it to be bad, but not this bad. Even they were not fully aware of the situation. No one intentionally puts a club in such financial distress. According to UEFA’s 2018 report, Fenerbahçe was the club closest to bankruptcy in Europe.”

“When we left, there was a debt of 3.5 billion TL, now they say it has reached 11 billion. Expressing it this way is something only people far from accounting and finance would do. On May 31, 2018, our debt was 3.18 billion TL, and as of February 29, 2024, it has reached 23.65 billion TL. By any exchange rate, Fenerbahçe’s debt has been halved.”

“We Worked Relentlessly to Save the Club from Financial Collapse”

“We worked tirelessly to pull the club from the brink of financial collapse. While laying the foundations for our financial independence, we did not compromise on competitiveness in any sports branch.”

“Due to the Banks Association agreement, 50% of our gross revenues went to the banks, so we tried to maintain the season with the economy we created. I wanted to remind those who say 6 years were wasted of this.”

“We made the finances healthier and more manageable. By creating new revenue streams, we grew the economy. Despite all economic difficulties, we achieved consistent success in both team and Olympic sports.”

“We Were Always Hindered”

“In our first term, we made mistakes and wrong decisions for various reasons. If we had not been obstructed by the system, we had a chance to win the championship. We were always hindered. In the last two seasons, we have built the best squads in history, free from past mistakes and with successful transfers, despite all systematic obstacles.”

“We Have Achieved Stability in Football”

“It is evident that we have achieved stability in football, which allows us to look to the future with hope. This statement is clearly confirmed by looking at the total points tables of the last 10 and 5 years. Fenerbahçe has always been at the top in these tables and has been systematically prevented from winning the championship.”

“Completing the Transformation We Started”

“We have fought tirelessly to bring our club from where we took it to where it is today. One of the main reasons I am running for president again is to complete the transformation we started, bringing Fenerbahçe to the point we aim for both financially and in terms of sports.”

“An Expression of Rebellion and Struggle”

“I have a few words for those preparing election strategies behind the phrase ‘They won’t let Fenerbahçe win the championship as long as Ali Koç is there.’ One of the reasons I decided to run for candidacy is this. I used these expressions in two TV programs. This is not an expression of hopelessness or surrender. On the contrary, these words are an expression of rebellion and struggle. It was a message to those who want to design football in Turkey as they wish. Fenerbahçe has been and continues to be systematically subjected to intense attacks.”

“Since we took office, we have started efforts to solve the structural problems of football. However, we saw that such an environment does not exist. Despite our well-intentioned approach, we were always marginalized. Our aim is to elevate not only Fenerbahçe but also Turkish football together with the clubs disturbed by this system. We have started a struggle and are determined to carry it to the end.”

“Fighting Against an Unjust and Unfair System”

“Another reason I am running for candidacy again is to fight against a system that has made injustice and unfairness a norm. If we resist, we will eventually ensure a fair and clean environment in football. We will achieve this sooner or later.”

“Our Biggest Goal is for Fenerbahçe’s Football Team to Win the Championship”

“If we win against Istanbulspor, we will complete the season with a record 99 points. If we achieve this success, it will be in a league filled with weekly scandals and referee scandals. In a normal league, we would all be very excited. Hope is never lost. Hopefully, this success will be crowned with a cup.”

“We Will Build a Team to Dominate the Championship Race”

“With the reinforcements we will make to our very strong team this season, we will build a team that will dominate the championship race. We will create such a team that I won’t even need to promise you a championship.”

“They Sent Off Our Player Without a Foul”

“In the derby, what is a perfect murder? They sent off our player without a foul. They couldn’t even go to VAR. That’s a perfect murder. I don’t believe in the sporting reality of the league. Things have gotten much worse.”

“We are entering the final week with a chance at the championship. This is not the time to discuss such matters. Bringing up Mourinho before the derby was very unfortunate. He suggests making an investment of approximately 45 million Euros over two years together. Before considering a joint investment, we need to see if we can sit down and discuss it like civilized people.”

“I never thought I would thank Mr. Erden, but I thank him for contradicting his president. There was no such conversation. This is not the first lie from the president. In our country, those who tell the truth have to prove themselves, not those who lie.”

“That day was more than just a derby for Fenerbahçe. They were going to win the championship at 19:05. There were choreographies specifically targeting me. There were election campaigns based on Fenerbahçe’s heavy defeat. The biggest injustice was Djiku’s red card. Looking at everything, it was an extraordinary night for Fenerbahçe. We were very happy. We spontaneously got into the car and went there. Those who fight against us target state officials. We came, went to the locker room, and hugged the players. Our players wanted to go back to the field. Our fans were still there. Later, our fans left, but we wanted to take a commemorative photo. The team insisted on going back to the field. The events were caused by the flag issue. The events happened because they tried to seize our flag. I wish it hadn’t happened. You do what you want, but when it is done to you, it’s disrespect and thuggery. Stop this. I wish there were no problems. We would have taken our photo and left. They challenge us to a fight, but we can’t even get them to a simple TV debate.”

“I understand where Aziz Yıldırım wants to steer the conversation. He will speak, and I will respond. That’s why I suggested a TV debate. If he wants to know who the forces preventing Fenerbahçe from winning the championship are, he should look in the mirror; he is one of them.”

“We Are Expanding Football Inc.”

“There was a lot of interest in our board. We will create a more active board with very important names. We need to hold a general assembly. We will do that and make it more functional. We will form a 15-member board in the next term.”

“We Have Concerns”

“We definitely want observers appointed by UEFA and FIFA for the Konyaspor match. Not because of Konyaspor, but because of the referees assigned here and Konyaspor’s opponents. We have sent our letter. We have concerns. We have witnessed this many times.”

“In today’s squad, we have missing players. Besides being a leader and captain, we have gaps in Tadic’s position. There are positions we need to fill. We have done the work, created the lists in order of priority. We have very valuable players. There are offers. Isn’t it natural?”