Between a series of resignations at the top, a standoff with global soccer associations over sacking Turkey’s internationally acclaimed referees, rumors of selling one of the country’s oldest clubs to a Russian oligarch and a new sports law that experts call a “coup,” Turkey’s soccer sector is having an exciting season — and it is mostly off the field.
“This is one controversial season for Turkish soccer. In terms of refereeing, club management and national-level soccer governance, we have hit rock bottom,” said international relations associate professor and Kadir Has University Sports Studies Research Center advisory board member Ozgehan Senyuva. “Many fans of Turkish soccer have abandoned the national league and started watching other European leagues, especially Britain’s Premier League. You can have soccer without fans, but not without spectators.”
