Giresunspor President Eltuğral: We Faced Obstacles But Did Not Give Up

Giresunspor Club President Emin Eltuğral held a press conference where he detailed the club's financial crisis and the obstacles they faced for the first time so clearly. Stating that the club was relegated due to 20-25 million TL, Eltuğral harshly criticized the Provincial Director of Youth and Sports, Muzaffer Ergün. He said that since they took office, they have been struggling with debt and transfer bans, and that they tried to keep the club alive, which no one wanted to run, but were left alone. Eltuğral recalled that when they took over the club, there were 38 files at FIFA and point deduction penalties were imminent, and that they worked day and night to prevent those files. He stated that they managed to open the transfer ban, which was deemed impossible, but due to the record of previous administrations, FIFA took action against them and a new file arrived within 24 hours, causing the ban to be reinstated.

President Eltuğral stated that they could only make 2 transfers and faced the bitter result of relegation. He apologized to all the people of Giresun, saying that he is the president who relegated the club to the amateur league in its 59-year history. He emphasized that the reason was not them, but unfortunately the result was with them. He claimed that the projects to rent out shops under the stadium and an 11 million TL concert organization, which were prepared to generate income for the club, were blocked by Provincial Director Muzaffer Ergün. He said they had an agreement with PTT to rent the shops, but the provincial director said 'no'. He stated that bureaucratic obstacles were put in front of them in the tender. Eltuğral said they agreed on 11 million TL + VAT for the concert at the stadium, and together with the rental shops, they would have earned 20-25 million lira, but this income was blocked.

Eltuğral stated that Giresunspor was relegated precisely because of this 20-25 million lira. He emphasized that the state did not build the stadium as a toy for Muzaffer Ergün, but for Giresunspor. Claiming that the director has an allergy to Giresunspor, the president said that even their personal credit cards are blocked and they have managed the club without any scandal with great sacrifice. Stressing that he will not give up the fight, Eltuğral said that if there is a cooperation to save the club, he is ready to step down without demanding any receivables. However, he stated that if there are those who want the club to go bankrupt, they should know that he is here.

The president called for unity in the city, saying 'I will either sink with Giresunspor or grow with Giresunspor'. During the meeting, detailed information was given about the club's difficult situation and future plans. Eltuğral invited all the people of Giresun and sports fans to stand by the club. Reiterating that he is ready to make any sacrifice to save the club, the president gave a message of unity and solidarity.

This process experienced by Giresunspor has once again brought to the agenda the impact of financial management and local governments on clubs in Turkish football. President Eltuğral's statements resonated widely in the sports community. The future of the club and the measures to be taken are eagerly awaited.