Yanal signs four-year Turkish deal
Genclerbirligi coach Ersun Yanal has signed a four-year deal to take charge of the Turkish national team.
Yanal was named as Senol Gunes' successor earlier this month after steering Ankara's Genclerbirligi to the fourth round of the UEFA Cup.
He said his main aim was to ensure Turkey, World Cup semifinalists in 2002, reached the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
"For us, 2006 is very important," said Yanal. "What we'll see is there's no place the Turkish national squad can't go."
Gunes was sacked after Turkey missed out on Euro 2004 after losing to Latvia in a playoff.
"Not going to the European Championships has been a good lesson for us and I think that Turkish players have learned this lesson well," said Yanal.
"Our biggest duty is to create new players, and players who can create a new vision for Turkish soccer."
Yanal's first game in charge is Wednesday's friendly against Belgium.
Besiktas chairman to step down
Besiktas chairman Serdar Bilgili says he will quit after suffering abuse from fans during their 3-1 defeat by Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce at the weekend.
The defeat virtually ended Besiktas' title defense. Leaders Fenerbahce are eight points ahead of them, with Trabzonspor also six points clear.
Bilgili said he would call an extraordinary general meeting within a month and would not put his name forward as a candidate for the chairmanship.
"The situation in the stands at the match hurt me inside. We are divided against one another," said Bilgili.
"I sit in the Besiktas chairman's seat and will not allow insults directed towards that seat. Hence I decided to call an extraordinary general meeting within a month. I will not be a candidate. My decision is final."
