Multi-ball system arrives in Turkish football as TFF sets out the details
The TFF has announced a multi-ball system from week 12 in the Süper Lig and week 15 in the 1. Lig. Matches will use 14 balls, which players will collect themselves from pitchside stations.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has announced that the multi-ball system is to be introduced in the Süper Lig and the 1. Lig, Türkiye's second tier. The system, which has been applied successfully in UEFA competitions and in Europe's leading leagues, is now being brought in in Türkiye as well. Under the new arrangement, when the ball leaves the field of play, players will collect a ready ball from the side of the pitch themselves. The aim is to prevent delays that may be caused by ball boys and girls and to increase effective playing time in matches.
According to the TFF's statement, the new system will come into use from week 12 in the Süper Lig and from week 15 in the 1. Lig. A total of 14 balls will be used in each match: one in play on the pitch, one with the fourth official and the remaining 12 at fixed ball stations around the pitch. Eight of the stations will be positioned along the touchlines and four behind the goals. Under the new set-up, one ball boy or girl will be on duty at each station.
When the ball goes out of the field of play, players will take a new ball themselves from the nearest occupied station in order to restart play. The ball boys and girls, meanwhile, will retrieve balls that have gone out and place them at the nearest empty station. They will be strictly forbidden from handing or throwing a ball directly to players.
With this measure, the TFF aims to create fair and equal conditions for both teams, whatever the score or the course of the match. The intention is above all to prevent time-wasting tactics and delays, and the full application of the system will be under the control of the match officials throughout the game.