Turkey’s state-run housing agency is "undertaking a comprehensive sports investment program which includes the construction of 20 stadiums and an indoor hall with a 20,000-person capacity," according to the ANADOLU AGENCY. Turkey Housing Development Administration (TOKİ) President Ahmet Haluk Karabel said, "We’re carrying out the most comprehensive investments in sports history in cooperation with the Sports Ministry." TOKİ "has already completed the construction of two stadiums," Türk Telekom Arena, which is currently used by Turkish football team Galatasaray, and Mersin Stadium, which was used during the Mediterranean Games held in the southern province of Mersin. Karabel said, "In addition, tenders for 11 stadiums have been conducted and their construction has begun. Meanwhile, there are seven stadiums waiting at the tender and preparation process" (ANADOLU AGENCY, 8/12). INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL's Mark Baber reported just 18 months ago, Turkey "seemed well placed to host the European Championships or the Olympic Games in the summer of 2020." Now, with the Euros set to be pan-European and with Tokyo or Madrid appearing more likely for the Olympics, it looks like Turkish Prime Minister and Justice and Development Party Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan "may have been caught between two stools" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 8/13).
