A leading luxury automobile dealer in Türkiye has moved to quell rising anger among Trabzonspor supporters after a new sponsorship agreement with Galatasaray sparked fierce backlash online, Soccernet.ng reports.
Hongqi Turkey, distributed by Yeniköy Motors, disclosed that it already provides vehicles to several Trabzonspor players, including Nigerian duo Paul Onuachu and Anthony Nwakaeme, and Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana, in an attempt to calm tensions.
The controversy erupted shortly after Galatasaray announced a partnership under which first-team players will use Hongqi’s E-HS9 electric SUV until the end of the season.
The deal was signed through Yeniköy Motors, whose owner, Nevzat Kaya, also serves as Vice President of Trabzonspor, a fact that prompted outrage among the club’s supporters.
Claret-and-Blue fans flooded social media with criticism, describing the agreement as “unacceptable” and accusing Kaya of supporting a rival while sitting on Trabzonspor’s board.
Some demanded his resignation, arguing that a senior official should not be seen to endorse Galatasaray commercially. The backlash quickly gained momentum and forced the company to issue a detailed public response.
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Yeniköy Motors defends position, cites existing deals with Trabzonspor
In a lengthy statement, Yeniköy Motors said the outcry had “taken the sponsorship agreement out of context” and turned it into a narrative that does not reflect the company’s longstanding approach to sports partnerships.
The dealership, active in Türkiye’s automotive sector for 34 years, insisted it has collaborated with numerous teams, athletes, and institutions “within the normal flow of business.”
Crucially, the company pointed out that Trabzonspor had already benefited from a similar arrangement.
Hongqi vehicles, it said, were allocated months ago to Nwakaeme, Onuachu, and Onana as part of an existing sponsorship programme. The entire Trabzonspor basketball team also received vehicles through the same initiative.
“We are saddened to see that our sponsorship agreement with Galatasaray Sports Club has been taken out of context and turned into an attempt to create a different agenda,” the statement read.
“Our collaborations are entirely in line with our promotional activities. As Hongqi Turkey, we will continue to support Turkish sports with determination.”
The company stressed that its sponsorships were not exclusive and should not be interpreted as favouring one club over another.
Instead, it framed the deals as part of a broader strategy to expand Hongqi’s visibility in Türkiye’s luxury market.
The controversy comes at a time when Onuachu’s performances have further raised his profile. The Nigerian striker has made a blistering start to life back in Trabzon, scoring eight goals in 13 appearances to sit atop the league’s scoring chart. His form has helped soften the club’s frustrations after last season’s struggles.
