UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin praised Türkiye for its successful hosting of three UEFA finals since 2019, underscoring the country’s capacity to stage Europe’s premier football events. Speaking exclusively to Anadolu Agency (AA), Ceferin emphasized Türkiye’s transformation from an emerging football nation to a major power in the game.

“When you come here, you see the stadiums, the clubs, the supporters, the media interest, and the commitment from both the government and the federation. All the necessary ingredients are in place,” Ceferin said.

He further highlighted the genuine passion for football in Türkiye, noting that it is an integral part of everyday life. This passion, Ceferin said, is both a strength and a responsibility. He also praised his relationship with the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), describing it as professional and constructive. Ceferin highly regarded TFF President Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu for his commitment to integrity in Turkish football and his sincerity in the role.

Asked about Türkiye’s hosting of the 2019 UEFA Super Cup, the 2023 UEFA Champions League final, and the upcoming 2026 UEFA Europa League final, Ceferin expressed confidence in Istanbul and the federation. He highlighted the positive overall experience, with areas for improvement in transport, security, and fan flow.

Ceferin also praised Türkiye’s stadium infrastructure ahead of the jointly hosted UEFA Euro 2032 with Italy, noting that many European countries have talked about new stadiums for decades without taking action. Türkiye, he said, has built excellent facilities, giving it a significant advantage.

He expressed hope that Türkiye would not have to wait another 24 years to return to the FIFA World Cup and urged the national team to be highly motivated and competitive at the 2026 tournament. Ceferin highlighted the exceptional talent in Türkiye’s midfield, particularly praising Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu.

He called on Turkish clubs to aim for sustained success in European competitions rather than isolated achievements. Galatasaray’s recent success and ambition were noted as a positive signal, with Ceferin urging Turkish clubs to be consistent protagonists in UEFA competitions each year.