Federation decision to resume Turkish football leagues stirs debate

The Turkish Football Federation's (TFF) plans to restart the country's professional football leagues on June 12 have received mixed reactions from clubs and officials.

TFF chief Nihat Özdemir announced on May 6 that the Süper Lig, the First Division, the Second Division, the Third Division and the regional amateur leagues, suspended on March 19 due to the coronavirus pandemic, will resume on June 12 behind closed doors and be completed by the end of July.

Although Özdemir said the decision was taken after consultations with the Health Ministry and the Coronavirus Science Board, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said his ministry had no say in the federation's decision.

"The federation took the decision at its own initiative, therefore, the responsibility falls on the federation," Koca told reporters hours after the decision was announced.

"Both the decision and the responsibility are theirs."

Although the federation said all measures to protect the health of the players and staff will be taken, some clubs are not convinced.

Süper Lig club Konyaspor argued that a protocol prepared by the TFF to set the rules for the leagues' return was "not applicable."

All professional clubs are required to have their players tested according to the protocol announced by the TFF.

Süper Lig club Ankaragücü announced on May 5 that one of its players tested positive for the coronavirus and was hospitalized for treatment.

"We have taken the measures regarding the suggestions in the protocol, but there is serious criticism in the sports community on these suggestions," the club said in a written statement.

"Our esteemed coach Bülent Korkmaz, just like many other coaches, believes that the recommendations in the protocol...