When UEFA opens Istanbul office, it’s not just a logistical decision — it’s a symbolic move spotlighting Türkiye’s rising influence in European football.
On Thursday, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin inaugurated the organization’s new regional base in Istanbul, positioning the city as a critical operations hub ahead of several major football events. The event was held at the historic Levent Mansion, now home to UEFA’s third external office after London and Brussels, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and key football figures in attendance.
A Headquarters with Purpose
The newly unveiled UEFA office in Istanbul will coordinate preparations for a trio of high-stakes tournaments: the UEFA Europa League final in 2026, the UEFA Conference League final in 2027, and the much-anticipated UEFA European Championship in 2032, co-hosted by Türkiye and Italy. The decision to open this office followed initiatives by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), underlining Türkiye’s proactive role in the sport’s administration at a continental level.
“With so many major events looming, we decided to open an office here in Istanbul to establish a strong local presence and ensure the smooth organization of these prestigious tournaments,” said Ceferin. The statement reflects UEFA’s trust in Türkiye’s infrastructure and organizational capability.
Türkiye’s Track Record and Global Ambition
Türkiye has hosted several prestigious events, including UEFA Champions League finals in 2005 and 2023, the UEFA Cup final in 2009, and the UEFA Super Cup in 2019. President Erdoğan emphasized this legacy and Türkiye’s growing reputation, declaring, “We believe Istanbul, already a city of civilizations, peace, and sport, will further strengthen its multicultural identity through this office.”
In his speech, Erdoğan also detailed the country’s efforts in elevating football infrastructure, noting the increase of football fields from 595 to 1,365 and sports facilities from 1,575 to 4,470 nationwide. “Türkiye now has the capacity to host any international sporting event, including the Olympics,” he said. He credited this transformation to over two decades of strategic investment and national commitment to sports development.
The President added, “This office will take our collaboration with UEFA to a new level, accelerating communication and coordination with regional federations. It’s a leap forward for Turkish football.”
Shared Vision and Elevated Standards
UEFA’s Istanbul base isn’t merely an administrative choice — it’s a move to raise the bar for tournament delivery. “We’re bringing all our experience and best practices here,” Ceferin noted, adding, “Together, we won’t just meet expectations, we’ll exceed them.”
The president of the Turkish Football Federation, İbrahim Ethem Hacıosmanoğlu, emphasized TFF’s responsibility and vision. “With the unifying power of football, we aim to take this beautiful game in our country to even greater heights,” he said. “We’re committed to deepening our collaboration with UEFA to uphold the universal values of football.”
Ceferin, for his part, expressed gratitude to Türkiye’s leadership and affirmed UEFA’s support. “Türkiye continues to show increasing ambition and commitment to becoming a global sports host. The bar is set high — and we are here to support you every step of the way,” he said.
Istanbul in the Spotlight
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting attended by President Erdoğan, Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak, TFF President Hacıosmanoğlu, and UEFA President Ceferin, followed by a group photo session on stage. The occasion also included a moment of reflection for the recent earthquake felt in Istanbul and nearby regions, with Erdoğan offering heartfelt messages of support to affected citizens.
For global travelers and football fans, Istanbul’s expanded role in UEFA’s ecosystem makes it an even more compelling destination. With its unique position straddling Europe and Asia, deep-rooted football culture, and ever-growing infrastructure, the city is poised to play a starring role on the international sports stage for years to come.
Photo Credit: Turkish Football Federation
