Istanbul: UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin on Thursday inaugurated the organization's new Istanbul office, calling it a strategic move to ensure the seamless delivery of several upcoming high-profile football tournaments. 'With so many major events looming, we decided to open an office here in Istanbul to establish a strong local presence and ensure the smooth organization of these prestigious tournaments,' Ceferin said during the opening ceremony.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Istanbul office will play a central role in coordinating the UEFA Europa League final in 2026, the UEFA Conference League final in 2027, and the UEFA European Championship (EURO 2032), which will be co-hosted by Trkiye and Italy. Highlighting Trkiye's proven track record in hosting major football events - including UEFA Champions League finals in 2005 and 2023, the UEFA Cup final in 2009, and the UEFA Super Cup in 2019 - Ceferin praised the country's commitment to excellence.

'Trkiye and Istanbul have consistently delivered world-class events with remarkable greatness,' he said. '(Now with) the Europa League and Conference League finals approaching, and EURO 2032 on the horizon, Trkiye continues to show growing ambition and commitment for establishing itself as one of the leading hosts on the global sports.'

Ceferin further emphasized the importance of the new office, stating, "Bar is set high. UEFA fully supports you in this journey. With so many major events are looming, we decided to open an office here in Istanbul to be the strong local presence and ensure seamless delivery of these prestigious tournaments."

Expressing confidence in the collaborative effort between UEFA and Turkish authorities, Ceferin said, 'Together, we will not just meet expectations - we will exceed them. We will set the standard for future tournaments.' He also mentioned, "Now, we are bringing all our experiences, expertise and best practices to make these events truly exceptional."

He concluded by thanking President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish government, and the Turkish Football Federation for their ongoing support. Ceferin remarked, "We are expecting fantastic tournaments. I am expecting a EURO 2032 final between Trkiye and Italy."