The European Olympic Committees (EOC) is saddened to learn of the passing of former Executive Committee (ExCo) member and Türkiye National Olympic Committee (NOC) President Mr Togay Bayatli.
Mr Bayatli passed away on 2 April 2024 at the age of 85 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease and was honoured at a commemorative ceremony held at the Olympic House in Istanbul on 4 April, which was attended by his family, the Turkish NOC ExCo and Ministry of Youth and Sport representatives. This was followed by a funeral at Zincirlikuyu Mosque.
In addition to his time as Turkish NOC President from 2003 – 2011, Mr Bayatli served as the President of the International Sport Press Association (AIPS) between 1993 and 2005, as he enjoyed a distinguished career in sports journalism after retiring from football.
During his time on the EOC ExCo he chaired the International Relations Commission, while he also sat on the International Olympic Committee, FIVB, FIFA and Mediterranean Games Press Commissions.
A hugely respected figure within the Olympic Movement, Mr Bayatli remained Honorary President of the Turkish NOC until his death and EOC President Spyros Capralos paid tribute to his impact on Türkiye and sports journalism.
President Capralos said: “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Togay Bayatli following a distinguished career in sport, he will be deeply missed and the EOC’s thoughts are with his family and friends.
“Togay made a significant contribution to the Olympic Movement in Türkiye and Europe through his roles within a number of organisations, while he was a fierce protector of the press in Türkiye and globally as the AIPS President.”
