Münir Tatar remembered at special football match in London

Organised by the Turkish Community Football Federation UK, the memorial fixture brought together last season’s league champions, Galatasaray London, and Federation Cup winners Mehmetçikspor at the New River Sport Complex in Wood Green, north London.

Galatasaray London won 5-2, securing the Münir Tatar Memorial Plaque in a match that combined fierce competition on the pitch with a moving tribute in the stands.

Tatar, who died recently, was remembered for his longstanding service to the UK Turkish community, his support for social and community initiatives, and the close relationships he maintained with community organisations and their members. His friends, community representatives and members of the football community attended the event to honour his life and legacy.

Following the match, İrfan Davulcular, president of the Turkish Community Football Federation UK, said Tatar had supported the federation for many years. Expressing sadness at his untimely death, Davulcular said the memorial fixture had been organised to preserve Tatar’s memory and ensure that his contributions were passed on to future generations.

“We want to remember him and ensure he is not forgotten,” Davulcular said, emphasising that Tatar’s commitment extended beyond his professional career to his wider support for the UK Turkish community and its social initiatives.

The ceremony was attended by Mehmet Tunca and İlke Gürdal, deputy consuls at the TRNC London Representative Office, and Education and Culture Attaché Deniz Özalp.

Speaking at the presentation, Tunca and Özalp highlighted Tatar’s important place within the community. They described him as someone who had supported the UK Turkish community throughout his life, maintained strong ties with its members and contributed to a wide range of community activities.

They also stressed the importance of preserving the memory of people who had helped develop and strengthen the community, saying events such as the memorial match provided an opportunity to honour their service and keep their legacy alive.

The Münir Tatar Memorial Plaque was then presented to Galatasaray London in recognition of the club’s 5-2 victory over Mehmetçikspor. Galatasaray London chairman Hüseyin Hammude and team captain Mert Akdağ received the plaque from Deputy Consul Mehmet Tunca and Education and Culture Attaché Deniz Özalp.

While the match produced a clear winner, the occasion ultimately became more than a sporting event. It served as a heartfelt tribute to Tatar and reflected the respect, gratitude and affection he inspired across the UK Turkish community