A multidimensional perspective on the structural problems of Turkish sports

Organized by the Faculty of Law at Istanbul Medipol University, the “Symposium on the Problems of Sports in the Triangle of Economy–Finance–Taxation” addressed the persistent financial and structural issues of Turkish sports. Held in two sessions at the South Campus, the event brought together experts in sports economics, finance, corporate governance, and taxation, offering a multidimensional assessment of the structural problems that have caused the sector to lag behind in global competition.

The symposium was attended by numerous academics and students, including Prof. Dr. Hakan Üzeltürk, President of the Istanbul Tax Office and Faculty Member at Istanbul Medipol University Faculty of Law; Adnan Nas, Chairman of the Board of STFA Holding and Former Board Member of Galatasaray Sports Club; football economist Tuğrul Akşar;Dr. Bora Yargıç, Faculty Member at Istanbul Commerce University and Sports Economist; Dr. Emir Otluoğlu, Faculty Member at Istanbul University Faculty of Business Administration; Certified Public Accountant Mustafa Koç; Murat Başaran, Chief Tax Inspector at the Ministry of Finance; Certified Public Accountant Dr. Erdal Aslan; and Dr. Balca Çelener, Faculty Member at Galatasaray University Faculty of Law.

Emphasizing that sports should no longer be viewed merely as an emotional bond but as a serious financial reality, the speakers underlined the urgent need for radical and sustainable financial reforms, rather than populist approaches, to address the sector’s deep-rooted problems.