Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Footballers from Turkic countries, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, could eventually be allowed to play in Türkiye's football league without being classified as foreign players under an initiative currently being discussed by representatives of Türkiye's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), TRT Haber reported.
AK Party Deputy Chairman Kürşad Zorlu said work on changing the status of footballers from the Turkic world had already begun. According to Zorlu, the issue had also been discussed with the president of the Turkish Football Federation.
He said the initiative was intended not only to change the formal status of players but also to develop football talent across Turkic countries.
“If we complete this project, we will be able to discover young talent across the vast Turkic world, home to more than 200 million people. We will develop them through academies and youth systems in their own countries to improve the performance of our national teams at the European Championships, World Cups and other international competitions,” TRT Haber quoted Zorlu as saying.
Kazakhstan is currently represented in Turkish football by 18-year-old attacking midfielder Alamgir Smakov. He signed a contract with Istanbul club Beşiktaş in August and plays for its under-19 team in the youth league.
Uzbekistan is represented in the Turkish Super Lig by winger Abbosbek Fayzullaev and striker Eldor Shomurodov, both of whom play for Istanbul Başakşehir.
The proposal remains under consideration, and no final decision on its implementation has been announced.
If adopted, the initiative could change the conditions under which footballers from Turkic countries participate in Türkiye's league and expand opportunities for the development of young players.
