Making a statement after the surprise 2-0 defeat against Australia, TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu expressed his sadness over the result and said, “I apologize to our beloved nation on behalf of the team. It doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. However, this does not mean that it will never happen.”
REACTION TO CRITICISM
Referring to the harsh criticism directed at the National Team, Hacıosmanoğlu argued that some circles are looking for opportunities through failure.
“So, there were people waiting for the team to fail; they were waiting for an opportunity to make a move. However, these children will give the necessary response on the field. With God’s permission, the children of this nation will rise again. This national team is the team of all of us. There is no need to act as vultures,” he said.
Emphasizing that similar results are in the nature of football, Hacıosmanoğlu gave the example of Spain and said, “Spain also drew with Cape Verde. Interesting results can occur from time to time in football. So, are they knocking Spain down? I believe in these kids.”
🇹🇷 TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu: This national team is our team. There’s no need to act like a vulture.pic.twitter.com/l5Ty9yPwa8
— Fotomaç (@fotomac) June 16, 2026
HARD RESPONSE TO FATİH TERİM
On the other hand, Hacıosmanoğlu also responded to Fatih Terim’s evaluations on his YouTube channel regarding the criticisms towards Vincenzo Montella and the football players.
Evaluating Terim’s words, “Do not kill. Let’s leave the feeling of sadness, joy and accountability until after the tournament. I will tell the truths that are known to be wrong,” Hacıosmanoğlu used the following expressions:
“I did not feel the need to call Fatih Hodja. I thank him for what he said until the last part of his speech. However, these people gave him the nickname ‘Emperor’. For this reason, I expected him to complete his speech in a manner befitting this title. Frankly, I could not find what he said to suit him and I was upset. It was not right for him to say ‘Let’s wait two more matches, then we will hold him accountable’. Who will be held accountable? The children, the technical staff, the management or the president? This is the place for accountability or “It is not a place of accountability. I think these words do not suit Fatih Terim’s stance and wisdom.” he said.
🇹🇷 TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu: ‘The time will come when I will talk about mysterious things, we will wait for 2 more matches and hold them to account’. Who will you hold accountable? Fatih Terim did not suit his stance and wisdom.pic.twitter.com/d8t2JKtUOE
— Fotomaç (@fotomac) June 16, 2026