Turkish Super Cup Controversy: Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe Refuse to Play in Saudi Arabia

Turkish football has been the subject of yet another controversy. But this time, without any aggression. The Turkish Super Cup, which was to be played with the classic Galatasaray x Fenerbahçe in Saudi Arabia, was canceled hours before the start of the game, which was scheduled for 2:45 pm (Brasília time) this Friday. The reason was disagreement between clubs and Saudi authorities.

The Super Cup would be used by Turkish teams and the country’s federation to celebrate the centenary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey. Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe would enter the field for warm-ups wearing shirts that contained images of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, considered the father of the country’s unification.

The teams would also display a famous message from the national hero: “Peace at home, peace in the world.” According to the Turkish press, Saudi authorities banned the Turkish anthem, the country’s flags and the tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk from being performed.

1 of 1 Audience waits at a stadium in Riyadh, where the Turkish Super Cup would take place: Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe refuse to play after differences with local authorities — Photo: Murat Akbas/ dia images via Getty Images Audience waits at a stadium in Riyadh, where the Turkish Super Cup: Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe refuse to play after disagreements with local authorities — Photo: Murat Akbas/ dia images via Getty Images

An initial meeting with representatives of the clubs, the two federations and the local Saudi government would have stipulated an agreement that the flags and the anthem would be released. However, Turkish players from both clubs did not hesitate to take to the field with Atatürk’s image.

The delegations from Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray did not even leave their hotels in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. The controversy provoked a huge reaction from different clubs and figures in Turkish football. Besiktas, the main rival of the two Istanbul giants, offered their stadium to host the Super Cup. Other teams did the same.

Fener midfielder Mert Yandas published images of different mosaics of his team’s fans with references to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and the Turkish Federation released a joint statement in which they confirmed the cancellation of the match in Saudi Arabia, but did not detail the reasons.

– The Super Cup, which was scheduled to be played on Friday, was postponed to a later date due to the joint decision we made with our clubs, due to some disruptions in the organization. We would like to thank the Football Federation and the relevant institutions and organizations in the host country for the efforts they have made so far in the organization.

Holding the Turkish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia was seen as an attempt to bring the two countries closer together. In July, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan visited the Middle Eastern country, amid efforts to repair fractured ties after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, in 2018.

The cancellation of the Super Cup adds to a month full of controversies in Turkish football. On the 12th, the president of Ankaragücü, Faruk Koca, was arrested for punching a referee in the face at the end of a match. The TFF imposed a permanent ban on the manager and sanctioned the club.

2023-12-29 20:08:19
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