Beşiktaş Reveals Staggering Debt, Launches Historic Project to Secure Future
Istanbul, Turkey – Beşiktaş JK has officially announced that the club’s total liabilities have surpassed a staggering 16 billion Turkish Lira, revealing the depth of the financial crisis facing the Istanbul giant. In a pivotal meeting, Club President Serdal Adalı addressed the dire situation but also unveiled an ambitious real estate project in Dikilitaş, which is projected to generate up to €200 million in net income to combat the crippling Beşiktaş debt.
Crushed by Interest Payments
President Serdal Adalı painted a grim picture of the club’s day-to-day financial struggle, stating that the club is paying approximately €125,000 in interest every single day. This amounts to nearly €4 million per month, creating a vicious cycle that hampers any chance of financial stability and sporting investment. “Every second that passes harms Beşiktaş,” Adalı stated, emphasizing the urgency of breaking free from the debt spiral and exiting the restrictive Banks Association agreement.
The massive Beşiktaş debt has been a major obstacle, limiting the club’s ability to compete at the highest level. Adalı noted that this financial burden is a key reason for the growing gap between Beşiktaş and its domestic rivals, who began leveraging real estate assets for income much earlier.
The Dikilitaş Project: A €200 Million Lifeline
The centerpiece of the administration’s recovery plan is a massive real estate development on a valuable plot of land in Dikilitaş that has remained unused for 40 years. Described by Adalı as “the biggest agreement in Beşiktaş history,” the project is being carried out in partnership with the Turkish state, including major state-backed entities like Emlak Konut and Ziraat Bank.
The project is expected to generate a total turnover of €400 million, with a net income of €150-200 million earmarked directly for the club. Adalı gave assurances that this income will be used exclusively to pay down high-interest loans, providing a clear path to alleviate the Beşiktaş debt. “This money will not be siphoned off or spent elsewhere,” he affirmed, highlighting the state-guaranteed nature of the deal. The project is slated for completion within three years.
Closing the Gap with Rivals
Beyond just solving the Beşiktaş debt crisis, the project is seen as a strategic move to restore the club’s competitive edge. Adalı argued that financial disparity, not a lack of scouting prowess, is the main reason the club has fallen behind. “If we close the economic gap with these projects, we will bring in much better players and build much better teams,” he declared.
This historic initiative represents a critical turning point for the club. While the current Beşiktaş debt is alarming, the board is confident that the Dikilitaş project will provide the financial firepower needed to not only survive but to once again thrive at the pinnacle of Turkish and European football.