Union of Clubs stands in support of Aydınlar

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

Turkish Football Federation (TFF) Chairman Mehmet Ali Aydinlar came under intense pressure during the General Convention held in Ankara on Jan 26, 2012. REUTERS photo

The Union of Clubs released a statement yesterday calling for the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) Chairman Mehmet Ali Aydınlar to continue his term.

The Union of Clubs, comprised of the chairmen of 18 top-flight clubs, said “the majority of the Spor Toto Super League Clubs … makes it clear that the Turkish Football Federation chairman and board should continue their posts during such a crucial time.”

Ready for support
It was also said the union was “ready to support” the board and the chairman in any possible way.
The statement came an hour before Aydınlar was leading an emergency meeting with his board members, with the agenda believed to be his future as the TFF chief.

Aydınlar’s position as the top man in the governing body of Turkish football came under question when the General Convention last week voted against a Union of Clubs proposal that would have stopped relegation bans on teams guilty of match fixing.

Aydınlar was criticized by several club members during the convention, and even his closest ally, Yıldırım Demirören, the chairman of Beşiktaş and the Union of Clubs, suggested that a vote of confidence for the TFF chairman could be held.

After severe criticism, Aydınlar said “he could leave with pride if it is needed,” fuelling the impression he would leave the post.

The meeting at the İstinye headquarters of the TFF started at 3 p.m. yesterday and was still ongoing as the Hürriyet Daily News went to press.