Joining forces for Izmir’s football

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) and Izmir Sports Clubs Association Foundation (IZVAK) have established a significant collaboration for football clubs in the city. A protocol was signed between the two institutions with the goal of increasing and measuring the contribution of football clubs to the city's brand value, recognition, and economy, as well as developing projects in this regard. The collaboration, set to last for three years, aims to create projects that will serve as examples for Turkey.

The protocol signing ceremony between Izmir University of Economics and IZVAK, the umbrella organization of professional football clubs in the city, took place at Izmir Chamber of Commerce. The protocol was signed by Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu, the Rector of IUE, and Ali Erten, the Chairman of the Board of IZVAK, along with Acting Chair and Board Member of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) Talat Papatya.

Among those present at the signing ceremony were Emre Kızılgüneşler, Vice Chairman of the IZTO Executive Board a Member of IUE Board of Trustees, Ercan Korkmaz, Vice Chairman of IZVAK, Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Kentmen Çin, Prof. Dr. Levent Eren, and Prof. Dr. Aslı Ceylan Öner, Vice Rectors of IUE, and IZVAK Board Members Mustafa Avcı, Hasan Ercazip, Elif Sağlamer, Engin Kurt, and Suavi Yardımoğlu.

WILL BE ANALYZED

As part of the collaboration that aims to set an example for Turkey, the first step involves analyzing the economic and brand value contributions that having at least one team from Izmir in the Super League would bring to the city and converting into numerical data. IUE students will have access to IZVAK's archives and corporate identity when working on research projects or doctoral theses related to sports. Izmir University of Economics will also provide physical and academic support for projects that IZVAK aims to implement. IUE faculty members will participate in events organized by IZVAK, such as discussions and panels.

IT CAN BE A MODEL FOR TURKEY

IUE and IZVAK will also focus on the overall development of sports in Izmir and the identification of the needs of the clubs. The goal is to enhance dialogue among fans and create a model project for Izmir that can be emulated throughout Turkey.

OUR DUTY AS A UNIVERSITY

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu stated that Izmir is one of Turkey's leading cities in sports. The Rector said, “It is our duty as a university nourished by this city to contribute to all branches of sports in Izmir. Sports is very significant in the development of the city's economy, communication among different segments of society, and the enhancement of Izmir's visibility. Supporting sports means contributing to Izmir. The contribution of sports clubs to Izmir's brand value is always talked about. We will be determining this scientifically with the protocol we signed. The data to be obtained will also shed light on new projects to be carried out throughout our city in the coming period. I believe that the collaboration we have established with IZVAK will be a role model for other cities. We are excited to contribute to Izmir, a sports city, and to the clubs.”

A DEEP-ROOTED CULTURE

Stating that Izmir has a deep-rooted sports and a football culture, IZVAK Chairman of the Board Ali Erten said, “Football is one of the world's greatest organizations and collective entertainment. It is at the same time a significant industry and economy. Our city has 9 teams in Turkish professional leagues. Izmir clubs are the most valuable brands of our city. We are the city with the most teams in Turkish professional football leagues, after Istanbul. Izmir is the first city of football in Turkey. The work we will do with IUE will be a very valuable guide for the football stakeholders and us.”

A DYNAMIC PROCESS

Erten continued as follows: "Recently, we had teams representing Izmir in the Super League. The permanent presence of at least one team in the Super League provides very important support to the brand value, recognition and economy of that city. We know this. Thanks to the cooperation with Izmir University of Economics, we will now measure this. It will be a dynamic process. We will share the data obtained with city stakeholders, sponsors and city investors. Our aim is to raise awareness based on scientific data and analysis for all urban components. All data will be extracted through academic studies to be carried out within the scope of this protocol. We will also be able to organize scientific activities such as joint conferences, seminars, symposiums and panels, as well as courses on mutually determined topics. We would like to thank Izmir Chamber of Commerce for hosting us today and always supporting us.”

AS TFF, WE ARE READY TO SUPPORT

Speaking at the signing ceremony, IZVAK Acting Chair and Board Member of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) Talat Papatya stated that they, as the Turkish Football Federation, attach great importance to this project. Papatya said, “This project will be a first and an example in Turkey. The data generated would be beneficial to all parties. Turkish Football Federation is ready to provide any necessary support, including data collection.”