How Saraçoğlu prepared for the big day
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Despite its ultra-modern look and reputation as being one of Turkey’s most modern football grounds, the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium still needed a 2-million-lira makeover for the UEFA Cup final.
"True, this is one of the best stadiums in Turkey, Fenerbahçe Chairman Aziz Yıldırım miraculously built this place," said the event’s Project Manager Orhan Gorbon. "But on the other hand, it is not that modern when looked through UEFA’s eyes. It is modern for Turkey, but was insufficient for UEFA."
However, Gorbon believes that hosting the final will be worth all the effort. "I believe this event will contribute to Turkey’s path to becoming an EU member," Gorbon. "The success of this event is really important for Turkey’s image."
The Football Federation will receive 1.35 million Swiss francs and 30 percent of revenue from ticket sales.
"There are about 40,000 foreigners coming to Istanbul, 120 planes arrived in the city for the game," he added. "The 2005 final contributed 150 million liras to Turkey’s economy and this year’s final will add up to 100 million."