22.06.2026 07:20
TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu supported Vincenzo Montella and the national football players despite the disappointment in the World Cup. Stating that they will continue with Montella, Hacıosmanoğlu also responded to Fatih Terim's words directed at him, saying, "Ask me about 40 years of football, I will tell you day by day and hour by hour whose hand was in whose pocket. This includes the National Teams." Hacıosmanoğlu said he believes the same technical team and players will compensate for the failure.
Turkish Football Federation President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu stated that they will continue with the National Football Team's Head Coach Vincenzo Montella, saying, "We never replace those we walk with for those we find on the road."
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D match against the USA sees the National Football Team continuing preparations with a training session at Arizona Athletic Grounds. Before the training, Hacıosmanoğlu addressed the press and made statements on current issues.
Starting his speech by thanking citizens who came to the U.S. to support the national team and those watching from screens in Turkey, Hacıosmanoğlu expressed deep sorrow for not achieving the desired success in the World Cup.
Highlighting the national team's recent successes, Hacıosmanoğlu noted that the players reached the quarter-finals in the European Championship, took Turkey to the Nations A League, and brought them to the World Cup after 24 years, thanking the technical staff and players.
"THESE ARE OUR KIDS"
Stating that the results deeply affected everyone, Hacıosmanoğlu emphasized the young age of the national team players and called for support.
"Our Kids, who brought us here," said Hacıosmanoğlu, noting that the players have many years ahead and will represent Turkey in many future tournaments.
Emphasizing that the national team can be criticized but insults and degrading remarks are unacceptable, Hacıosmanoğlu stated that some comments crossed moral boundaries.
"LET OUR NATION APPRECIATE WHAT THOSE WHO BECOME IMMORAL SERVE"
Stating that they respect constructive criticism, the TFF President harshly criticized insulting remarks towards the players.
Criticizing the labeling of national team players with different epithets and attempts to portray discord within the team, Hacıosmanoğlu stated that the public will decide what such approaches serve.
"WE WILL STAND BY MONTELLA AND OUR PLAYERS"
Addressing recent speculation about replacing Vincenzo Montella with other coaches, Hacıosmanoğlu expressed support for the head coach.
Saying Montella is one of the architects of the successes achieved in the last two years, Hacıosmanoğlu stated: "They've been writing coaches' names for two days. But those who know our character know well that we never replace those we walk with for those we find on the road. If this coach, along with his team and these kids, achieved these successes in two years, we will stand by them."
REPLIED TO TERİM
Responding to criticisms directed at him, Hacıosmanoğlu said he understands what is said and written. Claiming about 40 years of football experience, Hacıosmanoğlu said, "I am a person whose heart and tongue are one. I speak whatever is in my heart because I have no baggage behind me."
Arguing that those who do not openly say what is in their heart speak through implication, Hacıosmanoğlu stated he will continue to express his thoughts directly.
CALLED ON THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE
Due to crossing the boundaries of criticism, Hacıosmanoğlu also called on the Minister of Justice, advocating for legal regulations regarding insulting posts directed at the players and technical staff.
Arguing that such severe and morally boundary-crossing comments are not seen anywhere else in the world, Hacıosmanoğlu stated that new regulations are necessary to prevent moral decay in society and for the development of football.
"WE TAKE RESPONSIBILITY"
Stating they do not shy away from responsibility for failure, Hacıosmanoğlu said the administration accepts its share. Emphasizing his belief that the players and technical staff have the strength to compensate for what happened, Hacıosmanoğlu said young players should be supported.
Giving an example of a 21-year-old businesswoman's daughter's message sent to him, Hacıosmanoğlu said young players should be embraced considering their ages and potential.
"THERE WAS NO PRIVATE MEETING WITH MONTELLA"
Asked if he had a private meeting with Montella, Hacıosmanoğlu stated they had no conversation on this matter.
Expressing that as president he must protect the psychology of the players and technical staff, Hacıosmanoğlu said they should not allow such an environment to form.
"THEY ARE TRYING TO SOW DISCORD WITHIN THE TEAM"
Arguing that there are attempts to show problems within the team, Hacıosmanoğlu stated these claims do not reflect reality. Reacting to allegations that the national team captain is imposing pressure on the team, Hacıosmanoğlu said such rhetoric targets the team's unity and solidarity.
Noting that statistics from the last two matches are clear, Hacıosmanoğlu said they respect technical criticism but do not accept comments that cross moral boundaries.
"THERE IS NO PRESSURE ON THE KIDS"
At the end of his statements, Hacıosmanoğlu said there is no pressure on the players, only discomfort from severe criticism.
Hacıosmanoğlu expressed confidence in the national team's future, stating that the same players and technical staff will compensate for the disappointment experienced.