Worth almost TL 5 billion ($1.4 billion), Turkey's football economy has grown fivefold in the last decade. With employment and added value, it has become one of the most dynamic sectors of the Turkish economy.

Now for the first time, the country's football industry will become the subject of discussions at the Football Industry Forum and Exhibition (FIFEX) in Antalya from Jan. 8 to Jan. 10, 2018.

The forum is jointly organized by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) and the Turkish Football Coaches Association (TÜFAD). FIFEX Coordinator Hür Dilber said that football is more than a sport in Turkey. The economic size of the football industry means it should be a matter of discussion. Revealing that Turkey's football economy has grown fivefold in the last decade, Dilber said, "Football should be considered just like other industries that drive the Turkish economy."

He noted that it was important for all parties to gather around the same table and join forces to increase Turkish football's market share in the global arena. FIFEX will look to address that issue, Dilber said. Different institutions and companies involved with the industry, including field turf and artificial grass producers, construction companies, sports nutrition brands, sportswear companies, healthcare and software companies will join the FIFEX forum, he confirmed.

Dilber added that football industry investors would also be awarded at the FIFEX Football Industry Awards Ceremony on Jan. 9. The application process for the awards has begun through the FIFEX website. The awards will include 40 different categories, including best jersey design, best-equipped football facilities, best training software and best architectural design for a stadium.