THE TURKISH Super Cup final between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce has been cancelled.
Both sides have reportedly refused to play, causing the match to be postponed at the last minute.
According to reports in Turkey, neither team arrived at the stadium ahead of the match.
It is understood both teams refused to take to the field after Ataturk banners and t-shirts were banned.
Reports add that the players have refused to leave their hotels over the dispute with the Saudi Arabian hosts.
The match had been scheduled to take place at the Al-Awwal Stadium in Riyadh.
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In a joint statement, the clubs and TFF said: “In order to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our Republic and the Turkish Football Federation abroad, we organise with our clubs in a way that will contribute to the brand value of Turkish Football and our clubs.
“The 2023 Super Cup competition, which was planned to be played on Friday December 29, 2023, at 20.45, has been postponed to a later date as a result of the joint decision we made with our clubs, due to some disruptions in the organisation.
“We would like to thank the Football Federation and relevant institutions and organizations of the host country for the efforts they have made so far in the organization of the Super Cup.”
Galatasaray had booked their place in the final by winning their 23rd league title last season.
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Meanwhile, Fenerbahce were confirmed as their opponents after lifting the Turkish Cup earlier this year.
The cancellation of the Super Cup final comes after all Turkish matches were postponed earlier this month.
That decision came after a referee was punched by a club president at the end of a Super Lig clash.
Domestic football later resumed before the top-flight’s winter break began following matchday 18 earlier this week.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
