The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced a significant decision just two days before the mid-season transfer window for the 2024-2025 season.

The TFF has abolished the 30% deviation allowance on team spending limits, making it mandatory for clubs to stay within their allocated budgets.

Why it matters

This decision directly impacts major clubs like Besiktas, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, along with all other teams in Türkiye. By removing the 30% flexibility, clubs will face stricter financial regulations, potentially forcing them to adjust transfer strategies and reduce spending.

Details of TFF decision

• The change is part of updates to the Club Licensing and Financial Sustainability Regulation, now requiring clubs to strictly adhere to their team spending limits without exceptions.
• A new provision (Temporary Article 25) states: “As of the second transfer and registration period of the 2024/2025 season, the acceptable deviation percentages on team spending limits outlined in Temporary Article 18 are abolished. Clubs must remain within their allocated team spending limits.”
• Team spending limits will now be recalculated based on sponsorship and advertising revenues actually collected by clubs during the 2024-2025 season.

Zoom in

Clubs will now need to adjust their transfer strategies as the TFF mid-season transfer window opens on Jan. 13, 2025, and runs until February 11, 2025.

The removal of the deviation allowance means clubs may need to negotiate for lower-cost signings or seek alternative ways to boost revenue to stay compliant.

Zoom out

This decision reflects the TFF’s commitment to financial sustainability in Turkish football, aligning with broader global trends aimed at reducing financial instability in sports.

The stricter regulations could help ensure long-term financial health for clubs but may initially limit their competitiveness, particularly in international tournaments.