UEFA opens Istanbul office ahead of major tournaments

UEFA President on Thursday inaugurated the organization’s new Istanbul office, with an address by Turkish President Erdogan. Türkiye has more than enough capacity to handle all kinds of international sports events, including the Olympics, Erdogan said. He highlighted that they have largely addressed the country’s shortcomings in sports infrastructure.

Stressing that UEFA is opening a representative office in Türkiye for the first time following London and Brussels, Erdogan said that through this office, his country will establish more contact with UEFA for the development of Turkish football and undertake joint projects together. 

The Istanbul office will play a central role in coordinating the UEFA Europa League final in 2026, the UEFA Conference League final in 2027, and the UEFA European Championship (EURO 2032), which will be co-hosted by Türkiye and Italy.