21.02.2025 21:50
The President of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, spoke about the allegations made against him by Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek. Hacıosmanoğlu stated, "I will refer Özbek to the Ethics Committee. If he can document even 10% of what he has said to me in the Ethics Committee, I will resign from my position as president of the TFF that day! If he cannot prove it, then the Ethics Committee will probably deem them worthy of a punishment that will go down in football history."
```html
The President of the Turkish Football Federation, İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, made striking statements during a live broadcast on Habertürk. Hacıosmanoğlu responded to a question about whether there were any issues between him and Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek, who did not attend the meeting they invited him to.
"I HAVE MANY ENEMIES"
İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu's statements are as follows;
"If they want to make the Galatasaray community my enemy, I have many enemies. I have had enemies since childhood. If I am not doing anything wrong, what does it matter if you are my enemy? You cannot harm me! The day it is proven that I did something wrong, I will not sit in that chair.
"WE SENT LETTERS TO BOTH CLUBS"
On Monday, we sent letters to both clubs. Previously, we had breakfast with four club presidents for three hours; this is probably a first. After the invitation, General Secretary Eray Yazgan called President Mecnun and said, 'There is a board meeting on Tuesday, is it possible to have it on Wednesday?' Then we asked Fenerbahçe, and they accepted Wednesday. Eray Yazgan informed President Mecnun, and it was agreed. So what is the problem in announcing this to the public? This statement was made before the Rizespor match... What harm is there in this statement? If your General Secretary is staging a theater, we are not responsible for that.
"THERE IS NO ISSUE BETWEEN US"
We spoke with Dursun Özbek on Tuesday evening, and it was a pleasant conversation. He said, 'We have no problem with you, the problem is with the rival.' I said, 'I did nothing but friendship, why are you involving us?' Then Dursun Özbek said, 'We have a saying in Giresun, he who does not beat his donkey, beats his saddle,' and I did not ask for its meaning. So there is no issue between us.
"ÖZBEK'S STATEMENTS ARE INCREDIBLE"
It is not good to manipulate with collective perceptions! The issue is going to another dimension. The statements are incredible. 'When we look at the level we have reached today, I am one of those who want friendship in both Turkey and the Turkish football family,' he says. Then he says, 'We do not need showy gestures. We must not get involved in things that will turn brother against brother and lead to social events.' Now look, the issue has turned into a national matter. Here, he says that his rival is trying to create chaos in Turkey and divide the nation. This does not concern me. He says they are on the side of the nation and the state, we thank them. He should tell his rival, let them respond. But then he accuses us of carrying water to this mill.
"HE SHOWS ME AND ALİ KOÇ AS OPPONENTS TO THE GOVERNMENT"
In the statements, he says, 'Do not be the president of a federation for a team, do not be against the people, the state, and the government.' He is trying to involve me and Ali Koç in this. Now where is this going... We say that things are being done behind the scenes regarding referees, and these are all structures. He shows me and Ali Koç as opponents to the government. I said for the President, 'May God take my life and give it to him.' This country got into these troubles because it said it wanted to be independent in 2013, I am a witness to this. By 2025, let the youth know what situation we have reached in the defense industry. You cannot involve me in these matters! I am both the brother and soldier of the President. Whether in office or not, this will continue until death. If you are calculating this with your backers and getting involved in these matters... I have no other plan. Those who know me know, these slanders do not stick to me."
"IF HE CANNOT PROVE IT, HE WILL DESERVE A HISTORICAL PUNISHMENT"
I was angry with myself for the statements I made before. If you cut off greetings and good mornings with your friend, it is worse than a slap. I have my boards, and I will refer Dursun Özbek to the Ethics Board. If he documents 10% of what he said to me in the Ethics Board, that day I will resign from my position at TFF! If he cannot prove it, then the Ethics Board will probably deem them worthy of a punishment that will go down in football history."
```