The Foreign Player Rule Controversy in the Turkish Süper Lig: Policies and Impacts on the Football Ecosystem
Chapter from the book: Uluç, E. A. & Yılmaz, T. & Aksoy, S. (eds.) 2024. Academic Research and Evaluations in the Field of Sports Sciences X.

Yavuz Öntürk
Yalova University
Erkan Bingöl
Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University

Synopsis

Football is recognized as a global and local powerhouse in economic, cultural, and social domains. The Turkish Süper Lig serves not only as a platform for athletic competition but also as a stage where policies, economic strategies, and societal dynamics converge. In this context, the foreign player rule implemented in the league has been a focal point of ongoing debates, shaping divergent perspectives on the future of Turkish football. Designed with the dual objectives of enhancing international competitiveness and supporting the development of domestic players, the rule exerts significant influence on club financial sustainability, the efficiency of youth academies, and national team performance. Over time, due to regulatory changes by the Turkish Football Federation and varying economic conditions of the clubs, this rule has evolved, often seen as a solution addressing immediate needs rather than a tool for long-term strategy. This study aims to critically examine the foreign player rule in the Turkish Süper Lig by comparing it with similar practices in European and global leagues. It provides a systematic analysis of the rule's historical evolution, stated objectives, and its impacts on the Turkish football ecosystem. Moreover, the implications of this regulation on youth player development, financial balance of clubs, and national team performance are assessed from a scientific perspective, discussing its advantages and disadvantages. By critically analyzing the applicability of the foreign player rule, the study seeks to offer strategic recommendations for the sustainable growth of Turkish football, both locally and internationally. In doing so, it aims to contribute to the formulation of long-term policies that shape the future of Turkish football.

How to cite this book

Öntürk, Y. & Bingöl, E. (2024). The Foreign Player Rule Controversy in the Turkish Süper Lig: Policies and Impacts on the Football Ecosystem. In: Uluç, E. A. & Yılmaz, T. & Aksoy, S. (eds.), Academic Research and Evaluations in the Field of Sports Sciences X. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub645.c2759

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Published

December 30, 2024

DOI