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Turkish Super Cup clash cancelled over Atatürk image dispute in Saudi Arabia

Posted : 30 December 2023

In a surprising turn of events, the highly anticipated Turkish Super Cup clash between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was abruptly canceled just an hour before kickoff. The longstanding rivalry between these arch-enemies in various sports has seen its share of suspensions and controversies, but the cancellation stemming from a dispute over displaying images of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was unprecedented.

 

The clash was set to mark a historic moment in Turkish football, with plans for both teams to don shirts featuring Atatürk's image during warm-ups. However, the Saudi authorities vehemently opposed this gesture, leading to a last-minute decision to call off the prestigious match. The heads of the teams and the Turkish Football Association were informed of the Saudi ban mere hours before the game, prompting a collective decision to remain in their hotel until further notice.

 

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk - Celebrazione dei 100 anni Maglietta : Amazon.it: Moda

 

The significance of Atatürk, the revered founder of the Republic of Turkey, and the refusal to allow his name and image on banners and shirts became a focal point of the controversy. The teams, in response to the Saudi directive, chose to stand united in protest, expressing their commitment to the symbolism associated with Atatürk. Consequently, an official announcement came just an hour before the scheduled kickoff, conveying the regrettable cancellation of the game.

 

In a joint statement, the Turkish Football Association, Fenerbahce, and Galatasaray expressed their disappointment, citing disruptions in the organization of the competition. They highlighted the collaborative effort made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic, emphasizing the need to reschedule the match for a future date to properly honor the historical significance and brand value of Turkish football.

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