Intercity’s manger, Vural Ak, who is on the Beşiktaş sports club’s presidency candidate Serdal Adalı’s managerial list, announced the club’s financials. Ak, who manages Istanbul Racetrack said, “We will invest 45 million dollars and enter the 2014 Formula calendar.”
Serdal Adalı is one of the front-runners in Beşiktaş's club presidential election to take place this Sunday. The role of Vural Ak, the manager of Intercity who is on Adalı's management roster, is undeniable. Ak, who stated that Beşiktaş is a very strong brand said, "With our team we will manage this important brand in the most proper manner." We brought up many topics at hand with Ak, who was a guest this week on Eko Spor.
UEFA submitted a request placing a life-long restriction on Serdal Adalı . How will this situation effect the elections?
We do not think Beşiktaş will receive an undeserved penalty. In the case that Mr. Adalı does get fined, another of our management team members will become president and we will continue. Because penalties are individual. Our lawyer friends expect a result like this. I do not think it will be reflected to a large extent in the elections. Beşiktaş fans are very loyal. My prediction is that there will be a victory by a 55 to 44% (margin).
In regards to the stadium project, you say that "We will not spend even a penny from our register" how will this happen?
Beşiktaş is a very strong brand and with proper strategies can produce a large income. In our team there are managers with experience in many different sectors. Because of this there are a lot of offers from international sponsors. Serdal Adalı has at the moment already agreed with a large international firm. This we will also announce after the elections.
Can you announce how Beşiktaş is Turkey's wealthiest club?
Beşiktaş, with its real estate, is one of the world's (top) 3-4 clubs. No one denies this. Learn that the facilities in Ümraniye and Fulya are multi million dollar properties.
How will you turn these properties into financial gain?
We will procure extra income by once again constructing (on these properties). For example, if we construct a residential complex next to the facilities in Ümraniye we can procure a large profit. The marketing strategy of the club must be reconstructed from beginning to end. A system is not sustainable by taking funds from the pockets of management. The day will come that you'll be their slave.
F1 is not enough; we will organize 8 local cups
Explaining that they have the Istanbul Racetrack to the public, "3 thousand 500 people came to the first showing" said Vural Ak "On our second public day, the 7th of July, we expect the participation of 20 thousand." He stated that other than F1, there are 8 other cup projects with local firms.
The 11-year rent for the Istanbul Racetrack is 125 million dollars
Announcing serious investments to be made to the Istanbul Racetrack where Formula1 races take place, Vural Ak stated, "After we take the management, serious restorations will be made. We will pay 125 million in rent in 11 years. In addition to this we will make a 45 million dollar investment. " Ak, informed that after the investments, the Istanbul Racetrack will once again be added to the 2014 calendar. We will make key transfers.
Will you speak about your transfer plans? Are the rumors about Torres false?
Lets say they are false but after the election results we decided to release the names of those we are meeting with. On the topic of managers, we want the person to come to believe in sportsmanship and the struggle. There are surprise names on the list. We will make low cost key transfers. Here we are obviously trying to work with managers that are not cons.
We pay 30 Million in yearly interest
What do you believe in when it comes to financial projects?
Sadly the position the 100-year-old Beşiktaş came to is internally painful. We examined the example of Borussia Dortmund. They made similar mistakes to Beşiktaş and went bankrupt. We also have a terrifying debt. We pay 30 million in yearly interest. Dortmund undertook a radical decision to change their management style. They created resources, gave importance to the foundations, and used the strength of their supporters. In essence everything ends at the management.