Super Cup statement from the Directorate of Communications! Here is the process that led to the crisis...

The Center for Combating Disinformation, under the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, has provided information regarding the events of the Super Cup final, where Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray refused to take the field due to an Atatürk embargo.

The statement indicated that a protocol was agreed upon between the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) and Saudi Arabian authorities on October 20, 2023.

According to the statement, the clubs requested that their demand to warm up in Mustafa Kemal Atatürk t-shirts and with banners be added to the previously established protocol just before the match. It was reported that Saudi Arabian authorities "did not accept adding these demands to the existing protocol just before the match, citing the agreement previously made with the TFF and international regulations and rules."

"INFORMATION POLLUTION"

The following statements were included in the Directorate of Communications' announcement:

"There has been intense information pollution both domestically and abroad regarding the Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe match, which was expected to be played in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on December 29, 2023, but was postponed to a later date.

It has been determined that this information pollution arose both as part of systematic disinformation activities by certain groups aimed at undermining our nation's common values and sensitivities, and as a result of a lack of information by other groups.

Therefore, it has become necessary to address the developments and inform the public against disinformation activities that threaten the peace and security of society.

"TWO CLUBS INFORMED THE TFF"

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) had proposed providing additional revenue to the Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray clubs for the Super Cup final and had prepared an offer. The two club presidents gave power of attorney to the TFF for the Super Cup final in August 2023.

The decision to play the 2023 Turkcell Super Cup match in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, which provided the best offer, was determined and organized entirely by a joint decision of the clubs and the TFF. Following the joint decision, the match was scheduled to be played on December 29, 2023, at 20:45 Turkish time.

Prior to the match organization, a protocol was agreed upon between the TFF and Saudi Arabian authorities on October 20, 2023, regarding the rules and principles to be followed on the field and in the stands. The contract stated that the rules of FIFA, AFC, UEFA, and other international football regulatory and governing bodies would apply.

"AGREEMENT REACHED ON NATIONAL ANTHEM AND TURKISH FLAGS"

Although the match was not a national team game, the TFF and Saudi authorities reached an agreement to play the National Anthem and use Turkish flags due to it being the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.

"ATATÜRK T-SHIRT REQUEST MADE JUST BEFORE THE MATCH WAS REJECTED"

The clubs requested that their demand for the teams to take the field for warm-ups in Mustafa Kemal Atatürk t-shirts and with banners featuring quotes from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk be added to the protocol previously made between the TFF and Saudi authorities just before the match.

Saudi Arabian authorities did not accept adding these demands to the existing protocol just before the match, citing the agreement previously made with the TFF and international regulations and rules.

As a result of these developments, the issue became a topic of discussion on social media in Turkey, and it was determined that disinformation was being produced regarding the matter.

It was observed that insulting expressions that cannot be condoned were used against the institutions of our state and the values of our nation. Claims that 'the National Anthem would not be played at the start of the match and that Turkish flags were not allowed on the field' were refuted by our Center for Combating Disinformation in line with information obtained from the parties.

In the following hours, while discussions continued among the Turkish public, the clubs and the TFF issued a joint statement announcing that they had postponed the match to a later date.

The following statements were included in the joint announcement:

“It is announced to the public that the 2023 Super Cup match, which we organized with our clubs to contribute to the brand value of Turkish football and our clubs, and which was planned to be played on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 20:45, in order to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our Republic and the Turkish Football Federation abroad, has been postponed to a later date as a result of a joint decision we made with our clubs due to some disruptions in the organization. We would like to thank the Football Federation of the host country and the relevant institutions and organizations for their efforts in organizing the Super Cup so far.

Turkish Football Federation - Fenerbahçe Sports Club - Galatasaray Sports Club”

Following the postponement of the Super Cup match to a later date, the delegations of the Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe teams returned to the country as of this morning. Do not give credence to disinformation campaigns being carried out over the sensitivities of the public.”

News Source: 12punto