UEFA to open first overseas office in Istanbul

UEFA is set to open its first representative office outside of Switzerland, with Türkiye’s former football headquarters in Levent, Istanbul, designated as the new base.

The inauguration, scheduled for April 24, will be attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and marks a deepening of ties between Türkiye, UEFA and FIFA, Caliber.Az reports via the "Türkiye" newspaper.

The decision comes as part of a growing partnership between the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) and the sport's global governing bodies.

Following months of preparation, the iconic “Pembe Köşk” in Levent — once used as the headquarters of the TFF — will serve as UEFA’s regional hub. This office will facilitate UEFA activities in neighbouring countries and host key meetings in Istanbul, providing the organisation with a strategic presence in the region.

The opening ceremony will feature not only Erdoğan, but also FIFA President Gianni Infantino, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, and representatives from UEFA’s 55 member associations. A gala event at the historic Çırağan Palace is planned for the evening before.

The journey to this landmark moment reportedly began during a conversation in Paris between TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, Infantino, and Čeferin. When Infantino remarked, “Türkiye is a leading country,” Hacıosmanoğlu responded with a quote attributed to Napoleon: “If the world were a single state, its capital would be Istanbul.”

Hacıosmanoğlu then proposed that UEFA and FIFA establish a formal presence in the city. Čeferin embraced the idea, visiting Istanbul three times during Hacıosmanoğlu’s eight-month tenure. Their strengthened rapport paved the way for the establishment of the Levent office.

UEFA may not be the only football authority to establish a new base in Türkiye. FIFA is also considering opening a regional office in Istanbul. Talks are currently ongoing between FIFA and TFF, with a location near the bustling İstiklal Avenue reportedly under review.

Looking ahead, Türkiye may play an even greater role in European football. While the country is already slated to co-host the 2032 UEFA European Championship alongside Italy, delays in stadium preparations across Italy could shift the full tournament to Türkiye. The matter is expected to be discussed in detail during a trilateral summit in October 2026.

With UEFA setting down roots in Istanbul and FIFA eyeing a similar move, Türkiye is positioning itself not just as a host, but as a key administrative centre for the future of world football.

By Aghakazim Guliyev