Fenerbahçe President: “Turkish Football’s Injustice is Dividing Society Further”
Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç claimed that the yellow-and-navy team has been unfairly treated during his tenure, stating, “The extent of injustice and unfair competition in Turkish football is now obvious to everyone.”
Koç made significant statements regarding the club in a conversation with businessman Murat Ülker. Responding to Ülker’s questions, he said that while Fenerbahçe has statistically performed well, their inability to become champions is due to “unfair competition.”
“I WILL SPEAK UP WHEN THE TIME COMES”
When asked about his recent absence from Fenerbahçe games and public statements, Koç explained that he watches every match but can’t attend all of them in person due to his busy schedule. He added, “This season, Acun Bey has taken on the spokesperson role as the manager responsible for football. With his experience in media, he has been very helpful in this regard, which is why you see him more often. But I will, of course, speak up when necessary.”
“FENERBAHÇE’S RIGHTS WERE OPENLY, RECKLESSLY VIOLATED”
Koç emphasized that he has no regrets about what he has done for Fenerbahçe, saying, “When you sit in this position, you say ‘I’m glad I did’ rather than ‘I wish I hadn’t.’ If you’re the president of Fenerbahçe, you have to be fully involved in football. I have no regrets, but I am saddened. I’m saddened because Turkish football continues to deteriorate and fosters further polarization in an already divided society. I’m saddened because, during my presidency, Fenerbahçe’s rights were openly and recklessly violated. The extent of injustice and unfair competition in Turkish football is now obvious to everyone.”
“A CLUB WITH NO OTHER SPORTS BRANCHES…”
Koç mentioned that without football success, achievements in other branches go unappreciated. He remarked, “A club that has no presence in other sports branches and contributes minimally to the Olympics can be deemed very successful if it does well in football. In short, if you’re successful in football in our country, that’s considered enough.”
“UNFAIR COMPETITION IS RAMPANT”
President Ali Koç pointed out that while Fenerbahçe has statistically performed well in recent seasons, they have not been able to claim the championship due to “unfair competition.” He stated, “Looking at the statistics of the last 5 to 10 seasons in our football, Fenerbahçe has been very successful, yet lacks championships despite these statistics. This is precisely due to the football climate where unfair competition is rampant.”
