Former Belgium-based midfielder Onur Kaya has launched a scathing attack on the Turkish Football Federation and national team coach Vincenzo Montella, calling the country’s governing bodies “like the mafia” and demanding sweeping changes ahead of upcoming international fixtures. In an interview published by dhnet.be, the retired player criticized persistent favoritism in squad selections and structural corruption within Turkish football administration.
From Brussels Ice Cream Shops to Agency Work
Kaya, who announced his retirement from professional football before transitioning briefly into the Horeca sector with an unsuccessful stint running an ice cream parlor in Brussels, has now entered player representation. He is collaborating with the Eleven Plus agency run by his former adviser Peter Verplancke, a representative he has known for over a decade. Kaya currently oversees two young prospects at Antwerp and one at Westerlo named Michée Ndembi. Describing football management as a "world of sharks" where many actors demand a financial cut, Kaya told dhnet.be that his primary motivation is to help young players avoid early career pitfalls, drawing from his own experience of moving to the Netherlands at age 16.
Systemic Scandals and Leadership Crises in Turkish Football
Turning his focus to the Turkish national team and its administrative body, Kaya expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs following a tumultuous World Cup cycle. He pointed directly to the leadership of national team coach Vincenzo Montella and federation president Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, noting that public trust has evaporated. Kaya highlighted a recent high-profile refereeing scandal involving the arrest of head of officiating Ferhat Gündoğdu over allegations of severe interference, sports betting, and rating manipulation. According to dhnet.be, Kaya stated that nothing in Turkish football administration appears to operate fairly, comparing the governing bodies to a criminal syndicate.
Kaya Calls for Montella's Dismissal over Tactical Failures
Kaya did not hold back in his assessment of Montella’s technical leadership, questioning how the team finished bottom of its group during the World Cup following losses to Australia and Paraguay. While acknowledging Montella’s respectable playing career as an icon for AS Roma, Kaya argued that the Italian manager’s tactical vision remains unclear and called for his dismissal. Kaya also accused the coaching staff of cronyism, citing specific roster decisions that bypassed in-form players. He noted that Lille goalkeeper Berke Özer was omitted from the squad despite deserving a starting role, while Celta Vigo reserve Altay Bayindir and Trabzonspor defender Samet Akaydin—who had logged only 30 minutes of league action at the time—received call-ups due to past ties with Montella at Adana Demirspor.
Kaya Dismisses Nationality and Club Rivalries as Success Barriers
Addressing the ongoing debate over foreign versus domestic managers, Kaya dismissed the notion that nationality dictates success, pointing out that foreign coaches could thrive if granted full autonomy. He also downplayed the impact of fierce domestic rivalries between Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, and Beşiktaş on the national team, noting that historical achievements like a third-place finish at the 2002 World Cup and a semifinal run at Euro 2008 were built on players from those very clubs. The Turkish national team continues its preparations under mounting scrutiny ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
Keep reading
