UEFA has officially inaugurated its new regional office in Istanbul, marking a significant milestone in Turkish football. Located at the historic Levent Mansion owned by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), this becomes UEFA’s third office outside its Nyon headquarters, following those in London and Brussels.
The opening ceremony was attended by a high-profile delegation led by President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Also present were Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak, Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, Chief Foreign Policy and Security Advisor Akif Çağatay Kılıç, TFF President İbrahim Ethem Hacıosmanoğlu, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, and various dignitaries from UEFA member associations and Turkish football clubs.
Erdoğan: “This office will strengthen our cooperation with UEFA”
In his keynote speech, President Erdoğan expressed his optimism about the role the new office will play in fostering closer collaboration with UEFA and supporting football events in Türkiye.
“Istanbul has always been a bridge between civilizations, and now, with this office, it will further reinforce its identity as a global hub for sport,” Erdoğan said. “This initiative marks a new phase in our collaboration with UEFA and will help accelerate joint projects and strengthen communication with regional federations.”
The President highlighted Türkiye’s achievements in international football hosting, citing events like the 2005 and 2023 UEFA Champions League finals, the 2009 UEFA Cup Final, and the 2019 UEFA Super Cup. Looking ahead, Türkiye is set to host the 2026 UEFA Europa League Final, the 2027 UEFA Europa Conference League Final, and co-host the UEFA Euro 2032 alongside Italy.
Erdoğan also emphasized Türkiye’s significant investment in sports infrastructure over the past two decades, noting the construction of new stadiums, training facilities, and improvements in transportation. “We now have the capacity to host any major sporting event, including the Olympics,” he added.
Minister Bak: “Türkiye is the region’s rising star in sports infrastructure”
Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak praised the decision to open a UEFA office in Türkiye, pointing to the country’s rapid development in sports facilities.
“Thanks to the vision and support of our President, Türkiye has undergone a revolution in sports infrastructure,” said Bak. “This new office is a natural outcome of our growing capabilities and will enhance our collaboration with UEFA for upcoming tournaments.”
TFF President Hacıosmanoğlu: “A historic day for Turkish football”
TFF President İbrahim Ethem Hacıosmanoğlu called the office opening a historic moment for Turkish football. “Istanbul, a meeting point of cultures and continents, is now also becoming a regional and global center for football,” he said.
He credited President Erdoğan for his longstanding support of football and thanked UEFA President Čeferin for his cooperation. “This office will not only strengthen Turkish football but will also deepen UEFA’s engagement with regional federations and boost our role in promoting peace and youth development through the game,” Hacıosmanoğlu noted.
He also highlighted the symbolic timing of the event, noting that the TFF became a full UEFA member in April 1962 and that Istanbul first hosted a UEFA Congress in April 1978. “We are continuing this legacy and passing the torch to future leaders of Turkish football,” he said.
Čeferin: “We’re proud to deepen our presence in Türkiye”
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin commended Türkiye for its dedication to football and sports infrastructure. “This magical city of Istanbul connects continents and cultures, and now becomes even more central to European football,” he said.
Čeferin expressed UEFA’s full support for Türkiye’s upcoming hosting duties and shared his excitement about the Euro 2032 championship. “We’re bringing all of our experience and expertise to make these events extraordinary, and we’re grateful to President Erdoğan and TFF for their unwavering support.”
Ceremony concludes with ribbon-cutting and group photo
Following the speeches, the UEFA Istanbul Office was officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a group photo on stage featuring Turkish and European football leaders.