UEFA opens new Istanbul office

UEFA has this week opened a brand-new office in Istanbul to further strengthen collaboration between European football’s governing body and the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), which is due to stage two UEFA club finals in the next two seasons and co-host EURO 2032.

The opening follows similar UEFA initiatives in Brussels, at the centre of European policymaking, and London, where we jointly operate an office with our sister confederation CONMEBOL.

With Türkiye co-hosting EURO 2032 with the Italian Football Association (FIGC) and the selected venue for the 2026 Europa League final and 2027 Conference League final, the new office will reinforce ties between UEFA, the TFF and local associations, facilitating the delivery of world-class events and developing football across the region.

A special opening ceremony in Istanbul was attended by Republic of Türkiye president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and government members, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, TFF president Ibrahim Ethem Hacıosmanoğlu and Türkiye men’s national team coach Vincenzo Montella.

Over the past 20 years, the TFF has successfully hosted two Champions League finals (2005 and 2023), the UEFA Cup final in 2009 and the Super Cup final in 2019.

UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin:
’’Türkiye continues to demonstrate even greater ambition and commitment to prove itself as one of the world’s leading hosts of global sport. The bar is set high, and UEFA fully supports you on this journey. With numerous significant tournaments approaching, we decided to open an office in Istanbul to have a strong local presence and to ensure that these prestigious competitions are delivered flawlessly.

’’Now, we are bringing together all our experience, expertise and best practices to make these events truly extraordinary. Together I am sure we will not merely meet expectations but greatly exceed them.’’

Turkish Football Federation (TFF) president, Ibrahim Ethem Hacıosmanoğlu: ’’Today, we are witnessing a historic moment for Turkish football and taking a major step forward for both Türkiye and Istanbul. I would like to express my thanks to UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin and the UEFA family for their cooperation, support, and trust. By deepening our cooperation, we will continue to take steps that elevate the universal values of football. I hope this meaningful day will be auspicious for our country, our football community, and UEFA.’’

Republic of Türkiye president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan:
’’Through this office we shall establish more contact with UEFA for the development of Turkish football and execute joint projects together. The office will also facilitate faster communication and coordination between UEFA and the regional federations. I believe that the office will assume particularly important roles in the various football events we shall organise in the coming years.’’