If you think Turkish domestic politics are complicated, challenge yourself to detangle the politics of soccer in Turkey. Turkish interest in its national pastime of soccer is in sharp decline. Stadiums used to be filled with at least 30,000 fans for a game. Now most games can barely bring in crowds up to 4,000. During national games, most fans would rather chat about the team’s technical director on social media than watch the game.

Although there were years of financial troubles, violence and vandalism during and after games, match-fixing troubles and Passolig — a mandatory, e-ticketing system that allows the government to monitor fans — the national team always generated interest, even from those who do not follow soccer. So why are Turkish fans now turning their back on their team?

There are three explanations: personnel problems concerning the national team, financial corruption and political troubles.

Fatih Terim is the coach of the national soccer team. He has been a prominent figure in Turkish soccer since the early 1990s and is known by the nickname “Emperor.” Soccer commentators agree that his ego has become an obstacle to the team’s success in the last three years. Ismail Sarp Aykurt, the sports editor of Sol daily and a basketball coach, published a piece about Terim in June, writing, “With a monthly salary of 2,900 workers combined, Terim has become the boss of Turkish soccer.” Aykurt said that Terim’s ego is a bottomless pit. “He is able to threaten anyone who dares to criticize him or have any journalist who provides negative commentary about him fired.”