The eagerly awaited Turkish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia has been cancelled after both Fenerbahce and Galatasaray declined to participate.
The much-anticipated match was scheduled to take place at the Al Awwal Park stadium, but to the disappointment of fans, neither team appeared for kick-off due to escalating tensions between the Turkish clubs and Saudi Arabia.
The disagreement arose from the refusal of Saudi Arabian officials to permit the display of banners and shirts featuring the image and words of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the revered founder of modern Turkey. This decision was not well received by both clubs, who had planned to pay tribute to Ataturk on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic.
Although there were reports that Saudi officials also tried to prevent the singing of Turkey’s national anthem, the Turkish Football Federation denied these claims. They assured the public that the Super Cup match would include the Turkish flag, centennial celebrations, a moment of silence to honour fallen soldiers, and the performance of the national anthem by artist Norm Ender.
While no official statements have been issued by either club, Galatasaray vice-president Erden Timur expressed their position, stating, “We took the necessary steps. We are returning to our country. Our values cannot be ignored.” Similarly, Fenerbahce boss Okan Buruk confirmed, “The match will not be played, we are returning.”
It has been reported that neither team was willing to leave their hotels for the stadium, further escalating the tension surrounding the event. Additionally, club staff from both sides have reportedly left the Al Awwal Park stadium, taking their equipment with them.
Galatasaray, having won the league title for the 23rd time last season, secured their place in the Turkish Super Cup final. On the other hand, Fenerbahce earned their spot in the final by winning the Turkish Cup earlier this year.
With the cancellation of the Turkish Super Cup final, fans are left disappointed, and the two clubs will return to their respective countries without facing off in the highly-anticipated showdown.