Trabzonspor fans has gone into meltdown after a luxury car sponsor linked to one of their own board members signed a flashy new deal with rivals Galatasaray, forcing the company to point out they already supply motors to several Claret-and-Blue stars, including Nigerian duo Paul Onuachu and Anthony Nwakaeme.
The storm kicked off when Galatasaray announced a partnership that will see first team players cruising around in Hongqi’s E-HS9 electric SUV until the end of the season. The hitch? The deal runs through Yeniköy Motors, owned by Nevzat Kaya who also happens to be Trabzonspor’s Vice President.
Supporters didn’t take it lightly. Social media was flooded with angry posts calling the arrangement “unacceptable,” accusing Kaya of backing a bitter rival while still sitting on Trabzonspor’s board. Some even demanded he steps down, insisting a senior club figure shouldn’t be involved in business that appears to boost Galatasaray’s profile.
Under pressure, Hongqi Turkey distributed by Yeniköy Motors, moved to calm the mob, insisting the backlash was blown out of proportion. The company stressed it had already placed vehicles with several Trabzonspor players months before the Galatasaray partnership, naming Onuachu, Nwakaeme and Cameroonian keeper André Onana as recipients. The entire Trabzonspor basketball squad also received cars as part of the same campaign.
“We are saddened to see the agreement with Galatasaray taken out of context and turned into a different agenda,” the firm said in a lengthy statement, adding that its sponsorships were standard promotional activities and not a sign of loyalty to any particular club. They also pointed out the company’s 34 year history working with multiple sports teams across Türkiye.
The dealership insisted its deals are non exclusive and part of a wider push to grow Hongqi’s footprint in the luxury market, rather than a play to favour Galatasaray over Trabzonspor.
Meanwhile, Onuachu’s red hot form has done plenty to cool tensions on the pitch. The Nigerian striker back in Trabzon on loan has rattled in eight goals from 13 matches, sitting atop the scoring charts and helping push the club towards a stronger campaign after last season’s disappointments.
Trabzonspor now look ahead to their next fixtures with hopes that off-field drama won’t derail momentum, while fans waits to see whether Kaya’s dual role continues to spark unrest in the stands.
