Acun Ilıcalı's Support Message to the National Team: 'Even the Strongest Teams Can Experience Disappointment'

Acun Ilıcalı, owner of English Premier League club Hull City and former Fenerbahçe executive, shared a message of support for the Turkish National Football Team following their elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after two matches.

Ilıcalı reminded supporters that this is the same team that reached the quarterfinals of the European Championship and qualified for the World Cup after a 24-year absence. He acknowledged the deep disappointment felt by everyone due to the two losses in the World Cup matches, despite the team's efforts.

"In football, sometimes it just doesn't happen, even the strongest teams in the world can experience disappointment," Ilıcalı stated. "Thinking about their sadness on the field that day, I say, 'May your efforts be rewarded, children, you will make up for it.'"

He concluded by referencing two beautiful Turkish concepts, 'vefa' (loyalty) and 'gönül' (heartfelt affection), suggesting he views the situation through that lens. "It's good that you exist, children," he added.