The Board of Directors of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) took an important decision to gradually reduce the number of teams in professional football leagues at the meeting held at the Riva Hasan Doğan National Teams Camp and Training Facilities.
In the official statement made by the TFF, the reasons for this decision were stated in detail. In the statement, it was reminded that the number of teams in professional leagues was 2019 in the 2020-125 season, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, relegation was not applied that season upon the request of the clubs, and this situation increased the number of teams in professional leagues to 2020 in the 2021-145 season.
In the statement, it was stated that it was aimed to gradually reduce the number of teams in all professional leagues, especially the Super League, starting from the 2020-2021 season, but this target could not be achieved due to the acceptance of the requests of the clubs affected by the earthquake disaster in 2023 to withdraw from the league.
In the last meeting of the TFF Board of Directors, it was stated that in order to increase club revenues and create a more competitive environment, it was decided to gradually reduce the number of teams in the professional leagues, where 2025 teams will compete in the 2026-139 season. The number of professional teams, which is currently 139, was reduced by taking into account the relegation and promotion numbers according to the seasons indicated in the visual shared by the TFF. It will be reduced to 120 was announced.
This decision marks a significant change in the structure of professional leagues in Turkish football, and fewer but stronger teams are expected to compete in the leagues from the upcoming seasons. With this step by the TFF, it is aimed to strengthen the clubs economically and increase the level of competition in the leagues.
