This is a hilarious diplomatic crisis, with an unprecedented level of idiocy and incompetence on all involved.
❌ The Turkish government decides to hold the Turkish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia, no doubt in return for continued cash flow.
❌ Saudi authorities don't allow… https://t.co/8oGDhRuVPd
— Umut Özkırımlı (@UOzkirimli) December 29, 2023
The Turkish Super Cup final between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, scheduled to be played in Riyadh on Friday, was canceled due to a dispute with Saudi authorities over the players’ jerseys[1]. The match coincides with the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the secular Turkish Republic[3]. There were also reports that Turkey’s national anthem and flag would not be allowed at the match[3].
The final was to be held at Al-Awwal Park stadium[4]. Tickets for the match were already available for purchase[4]. Despite the cancellation, the Turkish broadcaster NTV reported the match’s cancellation[3]. There was no immediate official confirmation of the cancellation, which was reported by various media outlets[3].
Citations:
[1] https://apnews.com/article/turkish-super-cup-saudi-dispute-2330dca5207e4126139800fceb1c19b8
[2] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkish-super-cup-final-in-saudi-arabia-postponed/3095823
[3] https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/turkey-super-cup-final-set-be-played-saudi-cancelled-amid-row-ntv-2023-12-29/
[4] https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/events/turki-super-cup
[5] https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/12/turkeys-super-cup-saudi-arabia-canceled-over-reported-ataturk-row-reports-say
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