Habib Keita crisis at Kocaelispor: He left the club for a girl he fell in love with

Kocaelispor President Recep Durul has made notable remarks regarding the situation of Habib Ali Keita, who has been excluded from the squad. Describing the player's unauthorized departure from the team—having failed to join the training camp—as "not a pleasant thing," Durul announced that the club will initiate legal proceedings.

Responding to a question about Keita's whereabouts, Durul said it was conveyed that the player wants to play for a team abroad. President Durul also noted that there have been occasional issues in communicating with the player's agents.

Durul said the following:

"Keita leaving without permission is, of course, not a pleasant thing. We can call it a mental lapse. According to what is being said, he fell in love with a girl there. It is said that he left for her. He wants to play for a team abroad, not in Turkey, but his agents sometimes answer the phone and sometimes they don't. As Kocaelispor, we will initiate legal proceedings."

NO OFFICIAL OFFER

Durul stated that while it has been claimed that talks are being held with some clubs for the player, there is no official offer that has reached Kocaelispor. The president said, "It is stated that they are talking to 3-4 clubs, but there is no official offer that has reached us so far."

The Kocaelispor President also emphasized that if Keita returns to the team, the matter will be re-evaluated. Stating that the player is a useful asset, Durul said that if he returns, steps that are in the club's best interest could be taken.

President Durul used the expressions, "If he returns, we will consider what is in the best interest of Kocaelispor; if necessary, we will forgive him. It is not a problem. If necessary, we will include him in the team." Nevertheless, he stated that a sanction will definitely be applied due to the unauthorized departure.

Durul stated that the scope of the sanction has not yet been clarified and that if the player returns and admits his mistake, the matter will be reconsidered within the club. The Kocaelispor side will shape both the legal process and the potential sporting decision according to Keita's attitude.