RIYADH — The eagerly anticipated Turkish Super Cup football match between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray in Riyadh faced an unexpected cancellation, as confirmed by Riyadh Season in an official statement. The match, originally scheduled to unfold at Al Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh on Friday, drew eager fans to the venue, only to witness the absence of both teams.
Media speculations surrounding the cancellation suggest that the decision may have been prompted by the teams' purported intentions to showcase political slogans, a move deemed inconsistent with the stipulations set by the Saudi host authorities.
Riyadh Season, the organizing entity overseeing the event, underscored in their statement the paramount importance of adhering to international football regulations, which strictly prohibit the display of external symbols or slogans. The statement elucidated that this particular guideline had been a focal point of discussion and agreement with the Turkish Football Federation during the preparatory phases of the match.
The organizers had previously reached an understanding to honor Turkish national symbols by featuring the national anthem and prominently displaying the Turkish flag within the stadium. Despite these conciliatory measures and the agreed-upon terms, the non-compliance of the participating teams resulted in the regrettable cancellation of the highly anticipated match.
Riyadh Season's statement not only clarified the circumstances surrounding the cancellation but also underscored the robust and multifaceted relationship between Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Turkey, emphasizing the historical ties that extend into various realms, including sports. Despite this unforeseen setback, the organizers expressed their commitment to fostering positive relations and collaboration between the two nations in the future.
