What happened in Turkish football today? 28.02.2016

Galatasaray slowly becomes team which everyone can win.

Galatasaray carries on providing dissapointing results to its supporters by losing this time to Gaziantepspor with 2:0 scoreline during Super League 23rd week and hence putting finishing the league at the top 4 positions at the question.

Prior to the game Gaziantepspor players did state that their will be coming out for a win against Galatasaray and with winning game it managed to prove viewers that it wasnt only words. With Galatasaray main players Lukas Podolski and Wesley Snejder not available due of recieving cards, has made Gaziantepspor task easier. Galatasaray in fact did had number of dangerous attacks during the game especially after conceding goal from Emre Nefiz at 5th minute but it trouble at converting them with not having main attackers at the team. The team motivation and focus is surely will be affected with this result as team is losing a lot recently especially at home ground. In normal circumstances, Galatasaray would be team which everyone would be feared but as Gaziantepspor has shown today and prior to game with statements there is nothing to be feared of this season.

Galatasaray focus during midweek will be once again given to Turkish Cup where it would play against Akhisar Belediyespor 2nd leg of Turkish Cup quarter-final with 2:1 advantage. As been stated beforehand the only hope to have any title from this season is Turkish Cup, and it will be seen how it would be react at that game. Galatasaray also has danger of getting out of top 4 place which would lead them to European tournaments next season.

Gaziantepspor meanwhile got an important win against weak Galatasaray and surely would affect their morale at least for few upcoming games.

Trabzonspor will probably end league at bottom half of the table.

Osmanlispor was expected to win Trabzonspor at the Super League 23rd week game as the Trabzon side was without its main 9 players at different positions at the field due of injuries and bans it recieved from last game against Galatasaray.

It needs to be stated that Osmanlispor despite of winning the game didnt provide very agressive game to some extend not humiliating Trabzonspor at the game which Trabzonspor was seeing as a revenge and protest message towards Turkish Football Federation and Central Referee Committee and was hoping to win even if being at difficult conditions. It is important to state that Trabzonspor was not in very good condition even prior to the game and all this bans and injuries has made team even worser as it play with limited squad. Thankfully, team doesnt seem to be in danger of elimination but it would be naive to expect them to be at top half of the table at the end of the season with everything is happening at the club right now.

Trabzonspor for now just needs to forget about any big aims for rest of the seasons and just try to
play its best football and aim for good results without applying to much pressure on the team and technical staff.

Besiktas and Fenerbahce game would be one of most exciting games of the season.

The main focus right now at the Turkish sports media is into Fenerbahce and Besiktas which according to the situation at the table could easily be referred as game of the season as the result could identify the rest of the seasons for both of teams.

Prior to the game Besiktas is leading Fenerbahce with 1 point with game at hand and does seem to be favourite with its recent performances, however as it been stated yesterday Fenerbahce would be playing at home and hence provides some big chances for them to use this advantage at the game tomorrow. Besiktas, as most of the teams at the Super League, have difficulty at beating Fenerbahce in their home ground and this stress would raise some thoughts to the team. Fenerbahce meanwhile does have strong defence at the team which could be very useful at the game against Besiktas, who is strongest side in the sense of the attacks and hence 100% concentration of Fenerbahce defence could be crucial.

Last half an hour of game would be also crucial as Besiktas scores its most goals at this time period while Fenerbahce concedes most goals at that period so it could be crucial period to focus at during game. But of course as usual in games like this, pre-game analysis can only bring expectations but different things can happen during such a crucial game and its too close to call winner right now.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 23rd week
Sivasspor 0:0 Antalyaspor
Genclerbirligi 3:1 Akhisar Belediyespor
Gaziantepspor 2:0 Galatasaray

Schedule
Turkish Super League, 23rd week
20:00 Fenerbahce-Besiktas

In other news: 

- Galatasaray head coach Mustafa Denizli: We tried today but it didnt happen. I have came to club at very hard time.I have worked very hard to make team better, I didnt work like that for long time. We would meet tomorrow with club CEO Dursun Ozbek and talk about future of the club. We would also discuss about my future at the club.

- Sivasspor player Aatif Chahechouhe had a heated argument with club supporters after game as supporters were unhappy with his performance

- Fenerbahce player Gokhan Gonul expects to start at starting 11 against Besiktas at Super League game.

- Galatasaray players Wesley Snejder and Lukas Podolski are unhappy with training sessions at club, finding it ineffective.

- Galatasaray plans to go to big revision with contracts in summer, including selling expensive players

- It became clear that both Galatasaray player Lukas Podolski wanted to be sold to China but club didnt recieve good offer.

- Fenerbahce administrators would give 2 million TL bonus to its players if their win Besiktas at Super League on 29th February.

- Galatasaray are interested to appoint club youth coach Jan Olde Riekerink or coach Okan Buruk if club head coach Mustafa Denizli resigns

- Bursaspor and Trabzonspor supporters had organised joint protest towards Turkish Football Federation in Trabzon.

What happened in Turkish football today? 27.02.2016

Osmanlispor managed to get 3 points from weak Trabzonspor squad.

With missing 9 main players due of injuries and due of red cards at previous game against Galatasaray, Trabzonspor has lost to Osmanlispor with 2:1 scoreline which should not be treated as surprise result with the circumstances club is at following last week game at the Super League.

Trabzonspor main focus and interest was actually into how team and fans will show its protest towards Turkish Football Federation and Central Referee Committee as it was first game following that scandalous incident in game against Galatasaray and as the team administrators has stated prior to the game for days that this game will be sign of protest towards the  system in Turkish football. The game in fact has started with a strong protest as Trabzonspor players didnt move ball from start for 30 seconds, with Osmanlispor reacting to this by not getting closer to the ball. It needs to state that due of circumstances Trabzonspor did try its best and the fac that it managed to bring 1:1 result in start of 2nd half is an upper side and to some extend with opponent like Osmanlispor there were expectations for Osmanlispor to get result with bigger goal difference.

Trabzonspor following today loss still has difficult period as number of players are still injured and ban from last week game are still following with the players in upcoming weeks. Taking account that team didnt play great football before all this taken place it is needs to state that Trabzonspor need to find solutions and patience to get over this stressful and hard period.

Osmanlispor meanwhile used weaknesses of Trabzonspor without playing too much dominating football and managed to get a win with showing respect to its opponents. It neds to state that team still carries on impressive first season at Super League.

Galatasaray is coming out as weakest side at game against Gaziantepspor tomorrow.

Galatasaray is returning to the Super League after losing to Lazio at the Europa League last 32 stage with the game agaisnt Gaziantespor during 23rd week. Even through in normal condition Galatasaray would be seen as strong favourite at the game tomorrow this is not case right now.

With Gaziantepspor playing at home and being a decent side it does have some possibilities to get the point against Galatasaray who seem to lose concentration at the Super League and with also losing to Lazio is very likely psychologically to be even in worser condition tomorrow. There are reports of some players to be unhappy right now including Wesley Snejder and also head coach Mustafa Denizli job at the team being unstable. For now, there seems to be hardly any solutions for this weak performance at the team right now and therefore we might see unstable team at the league until end of the season, and this unstability could carry on at the game tomorrow who will play against good side in Gaziantep.

Meanwhile, Gaziantepspor players prior to game did state that their looking for a win tomorrow and it could be understantable as we are having very poor Galatasaray right now. If their do win tomorrow, it will not be surprise to anyone.

There are reasons why Fenerbahce should look at Besiktas game optimistacally.

Despite of fact that Besiktas does make statements seeing themselves as favourites at the game against Fenerbahce, there are several reasons why Fenerbahce has an upper hand at the game
tomorrow.

It is known for long time that it is very hard to beat Fenerbahce at its own stadium due of strong atmosphere which has been created. Galatasaray knows this at best, but Besiktas has experienced several times even if it managed to win in Kadikoy occasionally. Also certainly win against Lokomotiv Moscow over 2 legs at the Europa League would provide an additional motivational boost for Fenerbahce which also gained number of day having rests at the league to regain strength for such an important game. Another aspect is that Besiktas head coach Senol Gunes since becoming head coach in 1988 has never won in the Fenerbahce stadium with different teams and hence would provide additional stress to the team. Of course, records are made to be broken but Besiktas has points to be worried about prior to game on Monday.

Fenerbahce does seem to have upper hand at the game and as long it focuses at the game and gets as usual the supporters at the back it would certainly come with the result which at least would make them stay as strong opponent to league title for Besiktas.

Results
Turkish Super League, 23rd week
Rizespor 2:0 Kasimpasa
Mersin IdmanYurdu 0:2 Konyaspor
Eskisehirspor 0:1 Bursaspor
Trabzonspor 1:2 Osmanlispor

Schedule
Turkish Super League,23rd week
13:30 Sivasspor - Antalyaspor
16:00 Genclerbirligi - Akhisar Belediyespor
19:00 Gaziantepspor - Galatasaray

In other news: 

- Besiktas CEO Fikret Orman: We had made profit 25.6 dollar from transfer. Opening date for Vodafone Arena will be announced next week. I will be candidate for club CEO at the May election.

- TurkishFootballFederation CEO Yildirim Demiroren was taken into hospital where he had operation due of feeling unwell.

- Galatasaray player Wesley Snejder manager Guido Albers: When club send Hamza Hamzaoglu their asked Snejder about future of club but didnt listen to him as he wanted more experience head coach.: Both Hamzaoglu and Denizli are good coaches but teams needs better coach

- Osmanlispor doctor Savas Kudas Beijing Guoan player Burak Yilmaz has come to Ankara for treatment from Dubai where team is in training camp. Treatment of Burak Yilmaz will take place for 3-4 weeks, after that he will return to Dubai.BurakYilmaz thinks to take our physiotherapist Erdem Yorukoglu with him.

- Besiktas has announced that its debt is 1 billion 214 million TL.

- Galatasaray might have early CEO elections after UEFA gives FFP decision.

- Besiktas player Gokhan Tore manager Ali Pektas: There are clubs which interested with Tore but we not having negotiations with them.

- Galatasaray player Ryan Donk will not be at starting 11 at Super League game against Gaziantepspor on 28th February.

- Besiktas player Ismail Koybasi has resumed his training sessions after injury.

- Antalyaspor are interested to transfer Lokomotiv Moscow player Manuel Fernandes.

- Galatasaray thinks to bring back its player Bruma and Alex Telles to club in summer.

- Galatasaray CEO Dursun Ozbek has stayed at Rome for few days after game against Lazio with his wife.

- Galatasaray player Fernando Muslera has played against Lazio at Europa League last 32 2nd leg game despite of having pain at hand.

What happened in Turkish football today? 26.02.2016

Fenerbahce got very good draw at the Europa League last 16 stage.

After getting past of Lokomotiv Moscow at the Europa League last 32 stage with an aggregate of 3:1 scoreline, Fenerbahce has got probably one of the best result from the last 16 draw as it would play against Portuguese club Braga who are among mediocre teams left at the competion.

Of course, it would be unjustifiable to call Braga a weak team as it had got to this stage at the tournament, but among Sparta Prague it was among two teams which was most suitable to meet at this stage at the tournament. Also, assuming that Fenerbahce does get to quarter-finals, it was also observed that top teams will meet against each other after today's draw  and hence could make journey to Basel a bit easier than expected. The morale of the players following yesterday win against Lokomotiv Moscow is surely very high and recieving news that their would meet Braga at last 16 has provided more motivation to the players. However, as always team needs to stay focus at the two leg games especially in Braga as it didnt provide great football from Lokomotiv Moscow 2nd leg game yesterday.

Even through Besiktas seems to be confident with game on 29th February, the high motivation of Fenerbahce and in addition playing at home does make slightly chances of Fenerbahce winning this crucial game even more closer.

Galatasaray classic fight for a win is not present at this season

Galatasaray elimination from Europa League with 3:1 scoreline at the game against Lazio yesterday, should not be seen as surprise as the team was coming with a poor form against them in Lazio and it was expected for them to provide lack of attacking football in such a crucial game.

As once again, it was observed that the players and technical staff has lost its fight for the win spirit which was present at the team many times at its recent history. Apart of good play by Lazio in game yesterday, the team has allowed Italians to control game yesterday. In fact , Lazio head coach Stefano Pioli and number of players admitted after game that its aim was to get draw but seeing weakness of Galatasaray defence it has moved forward and found 3 goals during the 2nd half. Galatasaray does admit that its biggest weaknesses is standart balls as it had conceded 10 goals with Mustafa Denizli as head coach from corners especially and it needs to find solutions of this and at least team would miss less goals but it will not be enough to solve team performance for sure.

Meanwhile, Gaziantepspor on Sunday game at the Super League will go confident to game believing that it could win Galatasaray and this factor shown that at this season Galatasaray is not really feared team at the league.

Trabzonspor would play with protesting supporters while having very weak squad.

Trabzonspor will be seeing its Super League 23rd week game against Osmanlispor tomorrow as more as opportunity to protest about referee decisions as it recieved lately especially in game against Galatasaray.

The club administrators, including club CEO Muharrem Usta urging its supporters to come with red cards and has reduced prices of ticket prices to make following protest more active and making sure that the right targets would be reached. Meanwhile, at the field the team has bigger problem as it wont be able to use 9 players at its squad due of 4 players being suspended from last game and 5 players being injured. Trabzonspor would have very tough time tomorrow in sense of performance and might have issue at fully concentrating with supporters protests and weak squad, but in same time supporters might push team even more. Its just question how supporters would affect weak squad.

Osmanlispor, meanwhile, will probably see this game as an opportunity as it would play weak side opponent and as long as it didnt get distracted by Trabzonspor could easily fight for at least draw at the game.

Results
Turkish Super League, 23rd week 
Basaksehirspor 1:0 Kayserispor

Schedule
Turkish Super League, 23rd week
13:30 Rizespor - Kasimpasa
13:30 Mersin IdmanYurdu - Konyaspor
16:00 Eskisehirspor - Bursaspor
19:00 Trabzonspor - Osmanlispor

In other news: 

- Galatasaray CEO Dursun Ozbek has send complaint letter to Italian ambassador in Ankara Luigi Mattiolo complaining about ways fans and media stating that the female fans were treated badly by fans, some fans were not allowed to enter to stadium and also treatment towards media

- Besiktas will have general meeting at Vodafone Arena on 27th February.

- Turkish Football Federation: Criminal court has no right to change decision for supporters ban of some Fenerbahce fans for Besiktas game

- Fenerbahce supporters had applied to court to lift supporters ban for Super League game against Besiktas on 29th February.

- Liverpool are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Marko Marin.

- Fenerbahce player Abdoulaye Ba, Lazar Markovic and Raul Meireles have joined training sessions after recovering from injury.

- Besiktas administrators have announced 30 thousand bonus to each player in case if team wins Fenerbahce at Super League on 29th February

- Fenerbahce player Gokhan Gonul is expected to play against Besiktas on 29th February.

- Galatasaray will start with Olcay Adin and Bilal Kisa in Super League 23rd week game against Gaziantepspor on 28th February.

- BeijingGuoan player Burak Yilmaz will stay in Istanbul for 3-4 weeks to recover from injury from his got from friendly game in China.

What happened in Turkish football today? 25.01.2016

Fenerbahce gets to last 16 at Europa League despite of poor 2nd leg.

Fenerbahce has managed to get to the next stage of the Europa League despite of poor performance at the today's game against Lokomotiv Moscow and to some extend showing that it felt too comfortable with 2:0 lead which it got from 1st leg. Despite of this performance Fenerbahce has still got 1:1 draw and got to the next stage of the tournament.

During the game, Lokomotiv Moscow provided more active and focussed game play compare to Fenerbahce as it tried to get into positions and the fact that team does not have enough games as Russian league is still at the winter break, has really stopped for them to get any further with goals, which of course went into advantage of Fenerbahce. Even the goal which was scored by Lokomotiv Moscow play Alexander Samedov could be seen as purely mistake of Fenerbahce goalkeeper Fabiano who just gave the ball to the Lokomotiv players who were able to start very good attack.

This goal which came at the last minute of 1st half had provided lots of motivation to Lokomotiv which was seen during 2nd half of the game. As minutes were getting less the fear for Fenerbahce was going more and more as one goal could bring into extra-time while Fenerbahce needed one goal to end the game. Thankfully, the superb header by Mehmet Topal in 83rd minute brough much awaited goal and made sure Fenerbahce will be at last 16 of the competition.

Fenerbahce didnt provide great football today and there was big differences between two games but it was still enough to get to the next stage. Right now it needs to focus totally to Besiktas game on Monday which could set the targets for rest of the season in upcoming weeks at the Super League.

Fenerbahce also needs to get lots of lessons from today's games for the upcoming last 16 game of whose opponent it will find out at tomorrow draw. Fenerbahce needs to improve especially for away games at the tournament.

Lazio with Italian defence eliminated Galatasaray

After providing small advantage to the Lazio after 1st leg of the Europa League last 32 game in Istanbul, Lazio has played in a more controlled game compare to the Galatasaray and with much more attacking football had managed to get a win with 3:1 scoreline without providing much chances to Galatasaray.

Galatasaray performance at today's game has shown once again that the team has some issues at the team and does not perform at its best right now at the important games. Lazio, even of not very active first half game, had more control of the game and had provided an image more that it would be getting into next stage of the tournament compare to its Turkish opponents. As the classical Italian team at home ground, it didnt allow Galatasaray to control ball more and with Galatasaray generally having the issue of playing well lately the task of Lazio of this has become even more easier. The turning point of the game was when Cavanda has entered to game at the Lazio and had made game faster. During 59th-63th minute we had seen 2 goals by Lazio and one by Galatasaray which in fact did provide some chances to Galatasaray as 2:2 scoreline would make them get to next stage with away goal rule but goal by Miroslav Klose at 72nd minute had made Lazio to eliminate Galatasaray from tournament.

It does seem like that Galatasaray main target would be now Turkish Cup as it is only tournament where it can some title chances this season compare to Super League with being for sure not competing at Champions League next season. While most of the teams due of different targets will not provide best football Turkish Cup does seem like to be only chance to finish year as title.

Once in a while, big teams have very bad seasons and this one is for Galatasaray, now it needs to think how to make team stronger for next season.

Gokhan Tore expects to play against Fenerbahce on 27th February.

Right now main focus of the Besiktas is at the Super League game against Fenerbahce which would take place on 29th February and is seen for many as game of the season, as it will be game of two teams which are closest to clinch title at the May.

The biggest focus at the Besiktas by the media and club is really based into Gokhan Tore not playing in last game against Genclerbirligi and if he would be ready for the game next Monday. According to player, he feels ready to play against Fenerbahce and in fact he could have played last week but the club and himself didnt want to risk his injury. There are rumours at the media that he wasnt taken last game as he didnt attend fully to previous training session but this news could be made-up or misunderstood by Turkish media. Gokhan Tore would very likely to play on Monday and be one of the key players at the game against Fenerbahce.

Meanwhile, Besiktas feels to have full confidence based into the performance of against big "4" teams this season and also general performance but it is always difficult to play against Fenerbahce away,even through Besiktas does have good record against them in Kadikoy.

Results
UEFA Europa League, last 32, 2nd leg
Lokomotiv Moscow 1:1 Fenerbahce (agg: 1:3)
Lazio 3:1 Galatasaray (agg: 4:2)

Schedule
Turkish Super League, 23rd week
20:00 Basaksehirspor - Kayserispor

In other news: 
-Professional Football Disciplinary Committee has released following fines and bans, which are: 
- Trabzonspor has recieved 12,000 TL fine for non-sportmanship behaviour.
- Trabzonspor administrators Adem Kuduban and Ismail Safak have recieved 10,000 TL fine for breaking guidelines.
- Trabzonspor player Aykut Demir and Salih Dursun has recieved 3 game ban and 13,000 TL fine for behaviour towards referee.
- Trabzonspor player Luiz Cavanda has recieved 2 game ban and 26,000 TL fine for anti-spormanship behaviour.
- Trabzonspor administrator Coskun Bulbul has recieved 25,000 TL fine for breaking guidelines.
- Besiktas has recieved 100,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans 3rd time per season and blockage of part of stadium.
- Eskisehirspor has recieved 20,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans and blockage of section of stadium.
- Bursaspor has recieved 15,000 TL fine for not following guidelines

- Trabzonspor plans to go to Arbitration Court after Professional Football Disciplinary Committee decision.

-More than 10 club CEO's are supporting Trabzonspor CEO Muharrem Usta to become Clubs Union CEO.

- Besiktas would play Super League games against Eskisehirspor and Antalyaspor at the Fatih Terim Stadium.

- Central Referee Committee: News that referee Deniz Ates Bitnel will not referee again are not true.

- Trabzonspor spokesman Asim Orem: We will talk about selling players at the end of season. We dont have plans to send ‪‎Aykut Demir‬ right now.

- MersinIdmanYurdu ex-CEO Ali Kahramanli: Why their making complaints about my financial issues at club right now?I paid back all of the money to the team. There are documents which show that.

- Besiktas player Ismail Koybasi had become injured and didnt complete today's training session.

- Ex-footballer Omer Erdogan is doing work placement of coach at Chelsea

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Nordjaelland player Emre Mor.

- Besiktas doesnt plan to sell its player Ricardo Quaresma this summer.

What happened in Turkish football today? 24.02.2016

Galatasaray needs to find early goal or game would become tougher for them.

Compare to Fenerbahce, Galatasaray task against Lazio at the Europa League last 32 2nd leg will be much tougher as it would be coming out with 1:1 scoreline from 1st leg game which was played at Istanbul. Even through following scoreline provides good chances the latest form of the Galatasaray raises questions about chances of Galatasaray to achieve that.

Among one of the things to be worried about is that Lazio will play different football compare to its 1st leg as it would use advantage of playing home with push of supporters and hence very likely to provide more attacking football. It is also needs to be remembered that 0:0 scoreline will bring Lazio to last 16 stage due of away goal rule and with strong defence which Italian teams are famous of, it will make Galatasaray task even more harder. Hence, what is most important for Galatasaray is to start game in fast manner and found fast goal which will surely help a team in upcoming minutes. Lazio would surely play careful football and hence Galatasaray needs to find ways to break strong defence with good attacks.

Galatasaray needs to play with attacking football and be more active with way it would play if it wants to see last 16 stage and as the team plays lately it could be difficult task.

Fenerbahce just needs to be focussed and careful in game against Lokomotiv Moscow. 

Fenerbahce meanwhile is going to Moscow with a 2 goal cushion which provides them to look at game in much more positive manner but it should be careful as it is tough to play at Moscow especially with strong fans of Lokomotiv and weather conditions.

One of the most important aspect for Fenerbahce will be it defence especially at first minutes as for sure Lokomotiv Moscow would like to score early goal to make things easier for them. In same time, Fenerbahce also would need to find early goal as it would bring huge advantage to them, as Lokomotiv Moscow would need to find 4 goals due of away goal rule. This game is in hand of Fenerbahce and as long it doesnt panic and be confident it should take the game, even if it concedes one goal. Lokomotiv Moscow however would play different game compare 1st leg and be more compact so what Fenerbahce needs to do is to play its football and be concentrated if it doesnt want to get unpleasant surprise in Moscow.

Fenerbahce is very close for last 16 at the tounrnament and just needs to be focussed at the game or otherwise it would have big dissapointment tomorrow.

War between Trabzonspor and Turkish referees carries on

Argument between Trabzonspor and Turkish Football Federationa and Central Referee Committee carries on with Trabzonspor CEO Muharrem Usta stating that this case is even more serious than match-fixing case of 2010-11 season.

Trabzonspor will have serious fight, without being too violent against TFF, as it plans to provide huge support from its supporters at the Super League 23rd week game against Osmanlispor on 27th February and expects its supporters to come prepared with the red card by reducing ticket prices for the game. Trabzonspor is seeing all this issue as war not only for themselves but for all of the teams at the Super League and sees itself as carrier of change at the referee system for everyone from the Turkish football. Intention of Trabzonspor is good but doing too much might only damage them as surely football association and PFDK could bring fines/bans to them whenever this issue would be opened by them in agressive manner.

Turkish Football Federation does seem to show its stubborness and could refuse drastic changes at its system but again as main body and reason of all this issues at Turkish football it should admit that something wrong with  the system and look for solution as soon as possible.

Schedule
UEFA Europa League, last 32, 2nd leg
18:00 Lokomotiv Moscow - Fenerbahce (agg: 0:2)
20:00 Lazio - Galatasaray (agg: 1:1)

In other news: 

- TFF CEO Yildirim Demiroren: Every year at this time there is criticism towards referee and federation. Everyone wants changes.We will not ask for resignation of Central Referee Committee. I am not here to feel sorry for Trabzonspor.We are getting into new system after Euro2016. Details will be discussed later but we wont make decisions afterwards.

- MersinIdmanYurdu CEO Huseyin Caliskan: To give 20 million TL to the club we need to have 200 million TL at hand which we dont.Ex-CEO says Ali Kahramanli that there were donations made to club, but financial reports dont showit

- Besiktas player Gokhan Tore has attended to today's training session.

- Galatasaray believes that match-fixing scandal on 2010-11 has also affected financially due of not filling stadiums at games.

- Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir might not referee Super League game between Besiktas and Fenerbahce on 29th February due of tiredness.

- Galatasaray player Fernando Muslera had small injury in today training session but it became clear that its not serious.

- Besiktas player Jose Sosa salary was increased to from 1 million 550 thousnad euro to 1 million 800 thousand euro.

- AkhisarBelediyespor player Custodio Castro has extended his contract with club until 2017.

- Konyaspor head coach Aykut Kocaman has agreed to extend his contract with the club for 1 more year.

- Bursaspor aims to reduce salary of some players from next season.

- Fenerbahce administrator Ali Yilidirm is currently taken responsibility of club sports director Guilliano Terraneo.

- Antalyaspor player Samuel Eto'o has visited leukemia children patients in Antalya.

- ShanghaiShenhua has offered 25 million euro for Fenerbahce player Robin van Persie.

- Advocate Cevat Kazma:Playing football games without supporters is against Turkish Constitution.

- 

What happened in Turkish football today? 23.02.2016

Besiktas is currently highly motivated prior to game agaisnt Fenerbahce.

Besiktas has got an important win against Genclerbirligi prior to crucial game, possibly game of the season, against Fenerbahce and does go to Sukru Saracoglu stadium with high motivation as it has 1 point leadership with game in hand. Another advantage which team has right now is also it will have whole week to be prepared for game compare to Fenerbahce.

Despite of only winning game with 1:0 scoreline at the game yesterday it can be stated that Besiktas was playing very positive attacking football and only good defence structure by Genclerbirligi has prevented them scoring more goals. The team does seem to be more collective compare to previous seasons with also being more concentrated and motivated into the set task of getting title this season. Besiktas is now 1 point ahead of Fenerbahce with one game in hand and winning next week against Fenerbahce + postponed game against Trabzonspor would potentially help them to get 7 points leadership. It is not easy task by team but if it achieved that than league might get into different turn.

Besiktas in sense of motivation is at highest with players providing its best football with head coach Senol Gunes and being able to play with almost perfect squad against Fenerbahce would provide them additional motivation as team.

Central Referee Committee needs to make revision

Scandal between Trabzonspor and referee of game against Galatasaray Deniz Ates Bitnel is still carrying on with Trabzonspor administrators are seeing this is an opportunity for new start for this unfair refereeing system taking places for long time in Turkey.

With the effects of what happened on Sunday at the game could be easily be turning points but the chances of it to be is very slim as the system itself has high amount of issues and problems and needs to go even more deeper. But one thing is certain this has been waking up call for most of the people to the extend that it even been mentioned at the main news and there is feeling of wind of change at Turkish football right now but what changes it will bring is uncertain. Referees does need to have additional trainings is for certain however.

Central Referee Committee does seem to need to analyse its current refereeing system or scandals like this will happen again for certain in the future.

Galatasaray FFP defence is logical but sadly would not be enough for UEFA

Galatasaray CEO Dursun Ozbek has went today to Lyon at the UEFA headquarters to provide his defence regarding of Financial Fair-Play issue prior to recieving possible fine/ban from UEFA regarding of the issues.

After the defence, Dursun Ozbek has told to the media that his defence consisted of mentioning his achievements reminding that problems were made by previous administrators, aims at reducing debt and its project of wristbands. Even through his defence does make sense, as been mentioned few weeks ago at the blog, UEFA looks at the current situation and would base its decision following to this condition. Therefore, it is very likely that Galatasaray would recieve 1+1 fine next week by association. In additional, its doubtful if wristbands project would provide any positive aspects from UEFA, as it is unclear how it would reduce huge debt of the team.

UEFA would make decision next week and surely it will not be as suitable as Galatasaray will expect. Team needs to be prepared for dissapointment.

In other news:

- Turkish Football Federation has announced its referrars to Professional Disciplinary Football Committee, which are: 
- Eskisehirspor and Besiktas were referred for bad behaviour of fans.
- Bursaspor were referredfor not following guidelines at game against Fenerbahce.
- Trabzonspor has been referred for 4 players recieving red cards.
-Trabzonspor CEO MuharremUsta has been referred for anti-sportmanship announcements.
- Trabzonspor player Ozer Hurmaci, adminstrator Adem Kuduban and Ismail Safak for reactions against guidelines.
- Trabzonspor players Luis Cavanda, Aykut Demir, Salih Dursun, Coskun Bulbul for anti-sportmanship behaviour.

- AKP Trabzonspor MPs Ayse Sula Koseoglu, Salih Cora, Adnan Gunnar and Muhammet Balta has asked for resignation of TFF and Central Referee Committee

- UEFA has announced that refereeof Europa League last 32 2nd leg game between Lokomotiv Moscow and Fenerbahce will be Ivan Kruzliak

- UEFA has announced that referee of Europa League last 32 2nd leg game between Lazio and Galatasaray will be Russian Vladislav Bezborodov.

- UEFA has appointed Turkish observer to observe EuropaLeague last 32 2nd leg game between Braga and Sion on 24th February.

- Russian authorities did not allow Fenerbahce to arrive to Moscow with private jet for Europa League last 32 2nd leg game against Lokomotiv

- Fenerbahce sports director Guiliano Terraneo didnt attend to yesterday meeting between club administrators and players.

- Referee Deniz Ates Bitnel will return to working as fitness instructor as he will not be appointed any games until end of the season.

- Galatasaray are not interested to take back its player Salih Dursun who is currently loaned to Trabzonspor.

- Ali Koc could become CEO of Fenerbahce as he wasnt selected to the board of directors of Koc Group.

- Mersin IdmanYurdu has decided not to allow Konyaspor fans for Super League 22nd week game on 27th February.

- Sivasspor players Djaridja Kone and Erkan Kas didnt attend today's training session due of injuries

- Galatasaray player Sinan Gumus runs risk to end his season due of injury

- Fenerbahce player Lazar Markovic wont be playing in Super League 23rd week game against Besiktas due of injury.

- Galatasaray head coach Mustafa Denizli doesnt play much Martin Linnes because he didnt want for this transfer to take place in first place

What happened in Turkish football today? 22.02.2016

Besiktas has got  an important win prior to game against Fenerbahce.

Besiktas has gained a very important win prior to the week before playing against Fenerbahce and also taking account that their current title race rivals has lost 2 points to Bursaspor on Saturday. As usual, Besiktas has dominated the game despite of winning only with 1:0 scoreline against tough opponent Genclerbirligi.

Since Genclerbirligi knew that it is playing against strong opponent and trying itself to get far from relegation zone it was not surprising that Genclerbirligi has decided to play mainly defensive play at today's game. With this even through Besiktas has managed to find high number of attacks during the moment due of difficulty it tough moments at the game and had only found one goal which was scored with main goalscorer Mario Gomez after 2 weeks of break. Besiktas once again has played very forward looking game showing previous 2 games was just short period of poor performance.
Besiktas has got leadership of 1 point against Fenerbahce with 1 point in its hand with the week before against them which plays an incredible role at this year season title race. It was important for Besiktas to get today win prior to an important game next week which it manages to do.

Meanwhile, Genclerbirligi knowing its strength has played smart football despite of having 4 out of 4 record prior to this game. In fact, Genclerbirligi was close to get 1 point from today game, which would be great achievement in game against Besiktas.

Kuddisi Muftuoglu has provided worst performance of this season by referees.

The main focus of the Turkish sports media, quite rightly, was into Trabzonspor player Salih Dursun giving red card to the referee of Super League game between Galatasaray and Trabzonspor and general performance of the referee during the game.

Deniz Ates Bitnel following the game has recieved criticism from Trabzonspor, sports media and everyone involved at the game as soon as game has ended. In today's press conference, Central Referee Committee CEO Kuddisi Muftioglu has stated that Trabzonspor is a victim here. Even through the turning point was his decisions at the 2nd half, there were number of questionable decisions at the 1st half of the game including penalty to Trabzonspor player Erkan Zengin. In fact,
Deniz Ates Bitnel did not only help Galatasaray to win game but also directly has involved with the result of the game. This surely was worst performance of this season by Turkish referees, and those decisions could directly involve into future of the clubs and with crucial games coming up the future of the season regarding of this view is worrying.

Central Referee Committee needs to take this case in control, statement which has been said several times in this season previous times, because referee are the ones who show level and competivity at this national league. This poor performances of referees could affect into image of Turkish football around the world.

Salih Dursun red card move was what many footballers wanted to do in their career.

As soon as Trabzonspor player Salih Dursun has picked from ground red card and has shown towards Galatasaray and Trabzonspor referee Deniz Ates Bitnel, he was seen as the hero by everyone following football. Ex-footballers Ridvan Dilmen and Pascal Nouma has stated that their always wanted to make same movement but didnt have guts.

Salih Dursun has stated that reason for his actions was because it was unfair to play game between 7 players against 12, and he wanted to make the opponents to be 11. It does need to be stated again that Bitnel were also mistaken towards Galatasaray but general idea was correct. There were numerous cases when players did those mistakes and famous case when FIFA CEO Sepp Blatter has stated to Russian referee Valentin Ivanov that "only one at field who deserved red card was referee" at the World Cup 2006 game between Holland and Portugal. Referees has right to make mistakes, but their should never lose control of game. Salih Dursun action was spontaneous but many players wanted to make this move in their career at least once.

Salih Dursun actions should not be glorified as it goes against football spirit but we should understand his decision and raise empathy, which TFF hopefully would consider when punishing him.

Results
Turkish Super League, 22nd week
Besiktas 1:0 Genclerbirligi

In other news: 

- CentralRefereeCommitee CEO Kuddisi Muftuoglu: Deniz Ates Bitnel has made lots of mistakes at yesterday's game. Trabzonspor is victim here.This wasnt first game of Deniz Ates Bitnel of Trabzonspor. He did two and he did good job. I dont think Salih Dursun should be hero here. We would give right punishments.I dont agree that there are more mistakes of referees this season. Statistics show its almost same

- Bursaspor player Serdar Aziz has resumed training sessions after recovering from injury.

- Galatasaray: Beijing Guoan would pay 8.000.000 Euro for transfer of Burak Yilmaz.

- Fenerbahce spokesman Mahmut Uslu: Seeing that weather was good we decided to have brunch with Fenerbahce players and give them motivation. We have important 3-4 games right now. If we get through them we would get closer to happy end.

- ClubsUnion will have meeting on 29th February regarding of referee Deniz Ates Bitnel performance at Galatasaray-Trabzonspor game.

- Fenerbahce CEO Aziz Yildirim had a meeting with club head coach Vitor Pereira and player Robin vanPersie regarding of misunderstanding between two.

- It is expected that weather in Moscow will be around -10 during Europa League last 32 2nd leg game between Lokomotiv Moscow and Fenerbahce.

- Fenerbahce doesnt allow club's sports director Guilianno Terraneo to visit facilites where his office and also visit club's basketballgames

What happened in Turkish football today? 21.02.2016

Referee decisions has brought victory to Galatasaray.

Game between Galatasaray and Trabzonspor, which has ended with 2:1 scoreline win for Galatasaray, has been dominated with 4 red cards which were recieved by Trabzonspor after 59th minute which surely brought a victory for Galatasaray as prior to first card Trabzonspor has controlled the game.

One of the red card, and last one, was recieved by Salih Dursun who as the sign of the protest has shown red card to the referee of the game Deniz Ates Bitnel whose some of the red cards, with two of them being 2nd yellow cards, were questionable decisions and certainly has brought victory for Galatasaray as Lukas Podolski goal and Selcuk Inan penalty has come after Ozer Hurmaci has recieved 2nd yellow card which was first at the game. Prior to the 60th minute and especially at the 1st half the game was going at the middle and Trabzonspor has managed to control game at its hand and was hoping to end game with same tactics at the game and it could have achived that. Unfortunately, rather than focussing about the game the main focus would be given towards referee of the game with his questionable decisions at the game in the aftermath.

Regardless if those red cards were correct or not, one thing is certain that Galatasaray has managed to get 3 points from one of their arch rivals with the help of the referee as things were not going well for them and also those red cards just gave extra power and motivation to players as their needed to use this opportunity. Despite of the win, it still questionable if team is ready for 2nd leg game against Lazio at Europa League last 32 game.

Trabzonspor meanwhile feels rightly undone as it had protested with last minute of the game with arleady moving slowly to changing room before the final whistle of the game. It is certain that Trabzonspor would keep discussing about this game actively in upcoming days.

Robin van Persie should have played against Bursaspor

Despite of playing its most attacking footbal of the season, with 29 shots done towards Bursaspor goal, Fenerbahce did not manage to win 22nd week Super League game and got a damage at its title race with Besiktas who is currently having upper hand once again at the fight.

One of the main criticism which was present following the game was towards Fenerbahce head coach Vitor Pereira who didnt start game with its star player Robin van Persie. Robin van Persie who has shown some signs of improvement at recent games especially against Lokomotiv Moscow at Europa League last 32 1st leg game has been expected to start but rather was later substituted. Robin van Persie as most players can only get used to team and improve as a player if he would start regularly but Fenerbahce head coach Vitor Pereira keep stating that with performance at training sessions Robin van Persie doesnt deserve to play for 90 minutes at high-level game. Even through the starting 11 should be given to best players in some cases some players need to give more chances if it wants to improve them as a player and raise its motivation.

Fenerbahce would now focus into 2nd leg of Europa League last 32 game against Lokomotiv Moscow where it goes with 2:0 lead and later will focus to an important game against Besiktas. The club has very difficult week waiting for them.

Besiktas game against Genclerbirligi its very important for them.

As Fenerbahce has lost to Bursaspor yesterday, Besiktas now has chance to make its leadership with 1 point leadership prior to an important game against Fenerbahce next week and also having postponed Trabzonspor game in hand.

Besiktas will surely would play game against Genclerbirligi with higher motivation and would come out only thinking about a win for providing its cushion of points prior to game against Fenerbahce played away. This two games surely will not decide champion for now, but would provide strong advantage with 12 weeks to go at the league and Besiktas players are surely would play like that.
Also, following game might reduce amount of stress which surely been risen by performance by games against Basaksehirspor and Mersin IdmanYurdu and will provide chances to once again start playing as it did before.

As been stated the result tomorrow will not decide leadership, but result will change character of the rest of the season and also importance of game against Fenerbahce (even through in either case its still very important game for both teams.)

Results
Turkish Super League, 22nd week
Kayserispor 2:2 Gaziantepspor
Osmanlispor 3:1 Mersin IdmanYurdu
Akhisar Belediyespor 0:0 Basaksehirspor
Galatasaray 2:1 Trabzonspor

Schedule
Turkish Super League, 22nd week
20:00 Besiktas - Genclerbirligi

In other news: 

- Trabzonspor CEO Muharrem Usta: I believe that an important changes will happen today. When we in school we learn words proudness.Deniz Ates Bitnel I know you are fitness instructor. Go back into your job and dont referee again.Problem is with the system. Turkish Football Federation and Central Referee Committe are responsible.Salih Dursun red card move towards referee is a symbol for everything what is happening right in our football

- Central Referee Committee would meet on 22nd February to discuss about refereeing of Deniz Ates Bitnel at Galatasaray-Trabzonspor game.

- Trabzonspor player Mehmet Ekici has reduced his salary from 1.4 million euro to 1.2 million euro with renewed contract with club.

- Galatasaray general director Fatih Isbecer: We are making renewal at academy of our club. Thats why we appointed Jan Olde Riekering.

- Besiktas head coach Senol Gunes plans to use club player Ricardo Quaresma as one of key players in game against Fenerbahce next week.

- Estudiantes are interested to transfer Besiktas player Jose Sosa, Sporting Lisbon interested to transfer Ricardo Quaresma.Bayer Leverkusen and Monchengladbach are interested to transfer Besiktas player Cenk Tosun.

What happened in Turkish football today? 20.02.2016

Fenerbahce didnt manage to score against Bursaspor despite of good attacking style game.

The game between Bursaspor and Fenerbahce during 22nd week of Super League has been played as classical game between two strong teams without supporters. Despite of both sides finding number of dangerous attacks, especially from the side of Fenerbahce, the game has ended with goalless score.

As been mentioned at the blog yesterday, Bursaspor has been tough opponent for the top "4" teams each season regardless how team performs at the season itself. Fenerbahce had recieved this difficulty and with an addition of no supporters at the stadium it has also lost pushing force which it recieves from "12th" player. In fact, Fenerbahce has started game with very good attack which early has shown that team aims to play an attacking football today. One  of the main reason was a goalkeeper of game of Bursaspor goalkeeper Tekin had played an important for ending game with 0:0 scoreline, especially with his performance at first minutes of the game. Despite of score, it is hard to state that Fenerbahce didnt play a good football and would go with good mood to Moscow against Lokomotiv Moscow.

It is also needs to remember that games between European league games has also been tough ones for Turkish clubs which could also be reflected to the scoreline of the game. Fenerbahce meanwhile is awaiting a very hard week with 2nd leg of Europa League against Lokomotiv Moscow on Thursday and an important game for title race against Besiktas next Monday.

Coming to Bursaspor, its importance for getting this point was mainly due of great defence and goalkeeper Tekin as it didnt manage to create lots of attacks at Volkan Demirel. But Bursaspor still got an important point at the end of the game.

Win against Trabzonspor would provide great motivation prior to game against Lazio.

Regardless into how big "4" teams perform during the season, the game between them has always raised excitement to the viewers, players and supporters. One of them is uncertainly historical rivarly between Galatasaray and Trabzonspor.

Galatasaray is currently having a very poor season and despite of table wise being higher than Trabzonspor, with watching at the morale of the players and form of recent games it could be realised that Galatasaray does not come out as strong favourite at the game tomorrow. Despite of unhappiness of the Galatasaray players, club head coach Mustafa Denizli is currently is lacking concentration, is full of stress and has fear of losing his post despite of Galatasaray CEO Dursun Ozbek emphasising that he intends to keep him as coach. Galatasaray players might see this game also a chance to get good result and raise its motivation prior to very crucial game against Lazio on Thursday at Europa League last 32 2nd leg game.

Games against big "4" teams, especially when team is at bad form, has always provided for teams to make its supporters and themselves a chance to raise motivation and morale as league progresses. Galatasaray win against Trabzonspor could provide this morale which their urgently need prior to 2nd leg game against Lazio.

Trabzonspor comes out as favourite against Galatasaray.

Trabzonspor despite of general worser performance at the season, is currently is in better mood and morale compare to Galatasaray as it does recieve better results and performance in last 2-3 games compare to Trabzonspor. Players would come out in better mood tomorrow.

Trabzonspor head coach Hami Mandirali had stated prior to game that his squad is not as weaker as Galatasaray and as team it believes for the victory at the game tomorrow. This could be a case as Trabzonspor has no reason to be afraid of Galatasaray, who is providing poor performance right now. The players would come out and play an agressive game using advantage of being better recently than them and will let know, very likely, to Galatasaray from start that as team their not scared of  them. With the strong support of its fans would surely also provide them extra push and fight for the win. In same manner, win against Trabzonspor would provide much more motivation and morale.

Trabzonspor does come out as stronger favourite compare to its previous performance, but big "4" games has always brought surprise so as usual it is hard to call  winner for certain before game.

Results
Turkish Super League, 22nd week
Kasimpasa 2:1 Eskisehrispor
Antalyaspor 2:1 Rizespor
Bursaspor 0:0 Fenerbahce

Schedule
Turkish Super League, 22nd week
13:00 Kayserispor - Gaziantepspor
13:00 Osmanlispor - Mersin IdmanYurdu
15:30 Akhisar Belediyespor - Basaksehirspor
19:00 Galatasaray-Trabzonspor

In other news: 
- Vodafon eArena worker Serkan Yildiz were fired for writing at Facebook negative comments about construction.

-Besiktas player Gokhan Tore has rejoined training sessions after not completing it yesterday.

- Hebei China Fortuna player Ersan Gulum has stated that he declined an offer from Galatasaray.

- Santos are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Diego Ribas.

- Number of Trabzonspor administrators were unhappy with club CEO Muharrem Usta statement that Burak Yilmaz can come back to Trabzonspor.

- Galatasaray administrators were interested to transfer West Ham United player Alex Song but was declined by club head coach Mustafa Denizli.

- Besiktas administrators are planning to make sure that Vodafone Arena is ready for Bursaspor game to be played on 9th April.

- Galatasaray has invited Inter Milan player Felipe Melo to watch Europa League last 32 2nd leg game against Lazio in Rome at stadium.

- Besiktas believes that there is someone at club who sends information from them to Fenerbahce.

- Contract with Bursaspor youth development representative Taygun Erdem has been terminated.

- Fenerbahce player Josef De Souza performance at club has led Brasil national team technical staff to follow his performance.

- Fenerbahce player Fernandao is unhappy to be substituted all the time.