Saudi officials cancel game due to pregame player shirts

A Turkish Super Cup final between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray was canceled on Friday due to unusual circumstances.

Turkish soccer officials previously announced that the big game would be played in Saudi Arabia. The move was met with controversy, as many fans ridiculed the decision.

The fixture typically pits the Super Lig title holders against the Turkish Cup winners. Galatasaray previously collected the league title, while rivals Fenerbahce triumphed in the cup competition.

The 2023 version of the matchup was set to be played on Friday, December 29th at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. Even though thousands of fans were already filling the arena, organizers called off the match. This, of course, meant that supporters spent money on travel and hotel accommodations for a match that never took place.

The crux of the issue was apparently down to what the two teams wanted to wear ahead of the match. Both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce planned to don T-shirts featuring Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. He was previously the first president of the country and is widely seen as a national hero.

Match organizers say clubs did not comply with previous rules

Nevertheless, Saudi officials did not approve of the move. Following the decision to cancel the match, organizers claimed that the clubs did “not adhere to what had been agreed upon” when the game was arranged.

“We had been looking forward to holding the match and in accordance with the international football rules and regulations; which required presenting the sport without any slogans outside its scope,” read the Saudi statement.

“Especially since this was discussed with the Football Federation of Turkey within the framework of the match’s preparatory meetings, and the need to adhere to what is required by the regulations pertaining to this match, in accordance with the international rules and regulations, was emphasized.”

“It was also agreed that the national anthem of the Republic of Turkey…

Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/saudi-officials-cancel-game-due-to-pregame-player-shirts-20231230-WST-480568.html

Author : Chris Moore

Publish date : 2023-12-30 17:42:35

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