Avoid the risk of fraud at training camps in Turkey - how to protect your team and yourself
Time and again, the media report on dubious providers who advertise with enticing offers but don't deliver any services. Here you can find out how to recognize genuine organizers - and how you can reliably protect yourself and your team.
What can go wrong in Turkey
Public warnings and real cases of damage
Year after year, reputable sources - including public broadcasters such as Bayerischer Rundfunk - report on cases of fraud at training camps in Turkey. The scam is often the same: professionally designed websites and low prices, but no real company behind the scenes, no liability and no guaranteed services. The result:
- Inadequate or non-existent sports grounds
- Missing transfers or inadequate accommodation
- No contact person on site
- In the worst case: full advance payment - no service
One particularly sensational case was first published on 26 May 2025 in the Bavarian broadcaster "Abendschau" and is now also available in the ARD media library. Numerous clubs were affected - and the reporting was picked up by other renowned media.
Further cases:
The most common scams
How dubious providers work
You should take these warning signs seriously:
- No or incomplete legal notice on the website
- Company registered abroad, but no recognizable branch or corporate structure
- Payment only by prepayment to foreign accounts
- No tour operator license or TÜRSAB approval
- No information on training plans, guaranteed places or travel insurance certificate
- No contact person available
How to check a provider properly
Checklist: How to recognize a reputable training camp organizer
- Is there a complete imprint with the responsible company?
- Is the company based in the EU?
- Are you protected by a legally secured package tour ?
- Is the agency TÜRSAB-licensed (required by law in Turkey)?
- Is there a German or European contractual partner with whom you book?
- Are contact persons available before, during and after the trip?
- Is there transparent information on training grounds, transfers, accommodation, test matches?
- Do they work with real customer testimonials and reference clubs?
Tip: Google the provider + "experiences" - reputable tour operators have a verifiable presence.
Why you are on the safe side with SOCCATOURS
Legally secure - operationally on site - reliable for over 20 years
SOCCATOURS is Europe's leading specialist for training camps and has been active in Turkey for years. With the establishment of our own TÜRSAB-licensed DMC in Antalya in June 2025, we are consistently taking the next step:
- 100% own local organization - no intermediary, no middleman
- Package tour protection in accordance with EU law incl. travel insurance certificate
- Invoice and contract from Germany or Switzerland
- Contact person on site and in the back office
- Tested hotels, places & partners - personally visited and committed long-term
Our promise: With us there is no risk - but real protection, fair communication and comprehensible quality.
Further information & contact
Do you have any questions or would you like to make a non-binding inquiry about a training camp?
We will be happy to advise you personally - competently, transparently and free of charge.
