13.07.2026 23:00
U18 National Team Technical Director Veli Kavlak announced his resignation from his post. Kavlak was frequently the target of criticism due to holding an Austrian passport and the team's results.
Veli Kavlak, who served as the U18 National Team Technical Director at the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), announced his resignation from the position.
''I WISH SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE''
Kavlak stated in a post on his social media account, "I have resigned from my position as the U18 National Team Technical Director at the Turkish Football Federation, of my own will. I thank everyone who trusted me during my tenure and all my colleagues I had the opportunity to work with. Serving Turkish football and the Crescent-Star jersey has always been a great honor and responsibility for me. I will continue my career with the same belief, determination, and enthusiasm. I wish success to the Turkish Football Federation and all our National Teams in the future."
CAREER AND PERFORMANCE
Kavlak, who started his football career at Rapid Wien and ended it at Beşiktaş, began his coaching journey as a youth assistant coach at Rapid Wien. He served as the technical director of the Beşiktaş U19 team in the 2024-2025 season. In January 2026, he was appointed as the head of the Turkey U18 National Team. Kavlak achieved an average of 1.00 points in 6 matches with the U18 team, securing 2 wins and 4 losses.
UNDER CRITICISM
Veli Kavlak was under criticism for both his performance and holding an Austrian passport despite being of Turkish descent. Some football fans frequently expressed their opposition to a person with a foreign passport working in the national team infrastructure.