The president of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu, has drawn widespread criticism for making threatening remarks about Galatasaray chairman Dursun Ozbek during a live broadcast.
Haciosmanoglu’s history of controversial behavior and connections to questionable projects have come under renewed scrutiny amid calls for his resignation.
Turkish Football Federation president’s live broadcast comments spark outrage
In a TRT Spor broadcast, Haciosmanoglu openly targeted Ozbek with inflammatory remarks.
“One day, I will leave this role, and so will (Ozbek). The cost of this will be heavy,” Haciosmanoglu said, prompting accusations of using threats to intimidate a rival club chairman.
Ozbek responded strongly, accusing the Turkish Football Federation president of abandoning neutrality and bringing the federation into disrepute.
The TFF president openly threatened me on live television. I am ready to face any consequences to protect Galatasaray’s rights. I have spent my life standing against these kinds of cheap threats, and I will continue to do so.
he said in a statement
The incident sparked outrage across Türkiye’s football community, with critics questioning whether the Turkish Football Federation president’s leadership aligns with the principles of impartiality and fairness expected of his position. Galatasaray publicly called for Haciosmanoglu’s resignation, labeling his behavior unacceptable.
Haciosmanoglu’s track record includes prior controversies and threats
This is not the first time Haciosmanoglu has been embroiled in controversy. In 2015, while serving as Trabzonspor president, he ordered referees to be detained in a locked room for over four hours following a draw against Gaziantepspor.
The referees were only released after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally intervened. Courts later found the Turkish Football Federation president and 11 others guilty, imposing fines and suspended sentences.
His live broadcast also referenced past scandals. He dismissed accusations about gambling activities linked to his name and accused Galatasaray members of spreading misinformation using accounts tied to FETO.
“They didn’t condemn those spreading these lies. I expected Galatasaray to state that anyone using such propaganda is not one of us,” he said during the program.
Financial dealings and environmental concerns raise additional questions
Haciosmanoglu’s leadership faces additional criticism over a large-scale villa project in Bodrum, involving the destruction of a wetland housing nearly 200 bird species.
The project, which plans to construct 4,000 villas on 5 million square meters, has drawn backlash from environmentalists and locals. Critics question how the project is being financed and accuse Haciosmanoglu of using it to further personal interests.
The Turkish Football Federation president defended the project by claiming it would benefit national athletes. However, detractors argue that his involvement signals deeper problems with how sports leaders in Türkiye leverage their positions for financial gain.
Leadership failures expose systemic issues within Turkish football
Turkish Football Federation president Haciosmanoglu’s controversial tenure reflects broader issues in the governance of Turkish football. Critics argue that leadership positions have long been influenced by political and economic interests, resulting in compromised integrity.
Observers highlight Haciosmanoglu’s lack of neutrality as emblematic of deeper problems. “He cannot lead with threats and personal attacks,” one commentator said, echoing the frustration of fans who see the federation failing to address football’s structural challenges.
Galatasaray’s criminal complaint against Turkish Football Federation president Haciosmanoglu is set to escalate tensions further.
