Istanbul: Trkiye has more than enough capacity to handle all kinds of international sports events, including the Olympics, the nation's president said. This assertion is possible thanks to the work and projects "we have brought to our country in the last 23 years," said Recep Tayyip Erdogan, referring to his time as the country's leader, speaking at the opening ceremony of a UEFA office in the city.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan emphasized the transformation of Trkiye into a new league in terms of sports investments, highlighting the opening of new sports facilities tailored to the needs of various provinces. The total number of sports facilities has risen from 1,575 to 4,470, addressing the country's sports infrastructure needs.

Erdogan noted that UEFA is opening a representative office in Trkiye for the first time, following its offices in London and Brussels. This development will allow Trkiye to establish more contact with UEFA, enabling the development of Turkish football and joint projects. The representative office is expected to enhance UEFA's communication and coordination with regional federations, playing a significant role in upcoming football events.

Following the opening ceremony, Erdogan met with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin. Turkish Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak and presidential adviser on foreign policy and security Akif Cagatay Kilic were also in attendance. The Istanbul office of the European football governing body will be instrumental in preparations for the 2032 UEFA European Football Championship, which Trkiye and Italy will co-host.

Istanbul has a history of hosting major UEFA events, including the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final, 2009 UEFA Cup final, 2019 UEFA Super Cup final, and 2023 UEFA Champions League final.