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Created: February 11, 2026 14:14
Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek Addresses Claims Regarding Dialogue with TFF President
Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek addressed reports concerning conversations with Turkish Football Federation (TFF) President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu during a regular February board meeting at RAMS Park.
Özbek directly refuted the claims made about his dialogue with TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu.
Özbek began by offering condolences for the passing of former Galatasaray player Candemir Berkman, then highlighted the club’s current success. “Our football team is currently leading the Trendyol Süper Lig and progressing in the UEFA Champions League. Every match is crucial as we approach critical months. Next week, we have an important round of 16 match against Juventus. We’ve achieved historic victories against Juventus in the past, and I believe Tuesday will be another night to remember. I invite all our fans to Friday’s league match against İkas Eyüpspor and then to Tuesday’s Champions League game against Juventus. A roaring Ali Sami Yen Stadium is our greatest strength.”
Regarding real estate projects, Özbek stated that work continues on several fronts. “We will begin pile driving work at Galatasaray Island. We have completed the necessary projects in Kalamış. We are about to receive the permit for the Aslantepe project and plan to hold a major groundbreaking ceremony in early or mid-April. We are continuing work on our infrastructure facilities in Kemerburgaz. We will deliver the Mecidiyeköy residence project in May. The second phase has begun in Riva, and sales are going well. Our stadium also needs renovation, and we are working on it.”
“WE ARE MAKING INVESTMENTS TO BUILD GALATASARAY’S FUTURE”
Özbek emphasized the necessity of these projects to support Galatasaray’s sporting activities. “I desire to emphasize Mecidiyeköy, Ada, and Kemerburgaz. In our evaluation on May 31, 2025, the value of these three properties was around 6 billion 83 million lira. The value of these properties has increased by 3 billion 316 million lira in the last year and a half. We have spent approximately $60 million on these three projects during that time. We are investing to build Galatasaray’s future. We are continuing to develop projects that will set Galatasaray far ahead of its rivals.”
“I THINK THEY MIXED UP THE PRESIDENTS!”
Özbek asserted that Galatasaray is being deliberately undermined from outside the club. “Commentators, journalists, singers, folk artists, and models are doing this in an organized manner. The talking points are all the same, as if someone pressed a button and said, ‘These are the topics, attack.’ The only thing that discourages them is the unity we demonstrate. I once told the federation president, ‘Don’t get involved in this matter. Let’s focus on our business.’ The Galatasaray Club President went and said, ‘We are in a lot of trouble. We need to win the championship this year. There is unrest within the community.’ Those making these statements do not know the Galatasaray community, the president of the Galatasaray Club, or the values of Galatasaray. Such a thing would never cross Galatasaray’s mind. I think those making these statements have confused the presidents. We are not affected by them at all. We are nearing completion on all the projects I mentioned. Our intention is to serve Turkish sport and Galatasaray.”
“WE SHOULDN’T GIVE AMMUNITION TO THOSE ATTACKING US FROM OUTSIDE THE COMMUNITY”
Özbek announced that the tender for the Florya project has been completed. “We paid off the account in the Banks Association agreement with a small portion of the expected revenue. We explained how the remaining funds would be used. Misrepresenting our work benefits no one. The second phase has begun in Riva, and we will reach figures that we will all be remarkably pleased with. We have 550 villas, and sales are going well. These projects were approved by the general assembly. Some inaccurate information should not be presented to board members. We are carrying out these projects with the authority we have been granted. We shouldn’t give ammunition to those attacking us from outside the community.”
