TFF ends Turkish Under-21 league

Competitive youth football has come to a halt in Turkey after the nation’s governing body decided it has “failed.”

There will be no more competitive Under-21 league fixtures in Turkey. That is according to the statement released by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) on Thursday.

According to the TFF, the reason for their decision is because the Under-21 league has “failed to contribute to Turkish football.”

The TFF’s decision was made after a meeting between federation officials and representatives of Turkish clubs with Under 21 teams. The federation said it would provide consultation and training services to clubs, grassroots players and coaches as well as weigh up alternatives to replace the league.

The call to end the league was expected after announcements made several months ago raised the possibility of a looming end to competitive Under-21 football. The federation argued that changes in international criteria for young players has made it more favourable for younger players.

They also suggested that Under-17 and Under-19 leauges were contributing more towards developing homegrown players.