UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said Türkiye’s successful staging of three UEFA finals since 2019 has demonstrated the country’s ability to host Europe’s biggest football events at the highest level.

Speaking exclusively to Anadolu Agency (AA), Ceferin said Türkiye should no longer be viewed as an emerging football nation but as one of the game’s major powers.

“When you come here, you see the stadiums, the clubs, the supporters, the media interest and the commitment from both the government and the federation. All the necessary ingredients are in place,” he said.

“But more importantly, you feel the genuine passion for football. In Türkiye, football is part of everyday life, not something limited to matchdays. That is your greatest strength, but it also comes with great responsibility.”

Ceferin also praised his relationship with the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), describing cooperation as professional and constructive.