30/12/2023–|Last updated: 12/30/202305:27 PM (Mecca time)
The organizers of the Riyadh season in Saudi Arabia explained the reasons for canceling the Turkish Super Cup match between the giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, which was scheduled to be held in Riyadh yesterday, Friday, after disagreements over organizational problems.
In a statement late on Saturday night, the organizers of the Riyadh Season explained the reasons for canceling the match, saying, “We would like to stress, at the outset, our pride in the close relationship with the sister Republic of Turkey in various fields, including sports.”
The statement added, “We were looking forward to holding the match on time in accordance with international football rules and regulations that require the sport to be presented without any slogans outside its specific scope, especially since this was discussed with the Turkish Federation in the framework of the preparatory meetings for the match, where the necessity of adhering to what the regulations require was emphasized.” For this match in accordance with international rules and regulations.”
The organizers explained, “It was agreed to play the national anthem of the Turkish Republic and display the Turkish flag inside the stadium and in the stands in appreciation of the status we hold for the Turkish Republic. Despite that agreement, it was unfortunate that the two teams did not adhere to what was agreed upon, which led to the match not being held.”
Statement about the Turkish Super match in the Saudi capital, Riyadh pic.twitter.com/ZKDReocQEZ
— Riyadh Season | Riyadh Season (@RiyadhSeason) December 29, 2023
The Turkish league champion, Galatasaray, was scheduled to meet the cup champion, Fenerbahce, yesterday, Friday, for the Turkish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, which has been hosting similar tournaments for a few years, led by the Spanish and Italian Super Cups.
However, a dispute over the players of both teams wearing shirts bearing a drawing of the face of the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, led to the match being eventually cancelled.
The Turkish Al-Riyadiya newspaper published video clips showing the two teams’ buses and fans leaving the “All Park” stadium, where the match was scheduled to take place.
Statement of the two clubs and the Turkish Federation
The two clubs and the Turkish Football Federation issued a joint statement announcing the postponement of the match until “a later time.”
The statement stated that the 2023 Super Cup, which was scheduled to be held yesterday, Friday, was postponed to a later date as a result of a joint decision taken with our clubs due to some errors in the organization.
He continued, “We would like to thank the Football Association, the Federation and the relevant institutions in the host country for the efforts they have made so far in organizing the Super Cup.”
