ISTANBUL: Turkey’s Super Lig was suspended indefinitely Thursday because of the coronavirus pandemic, the sports minister announced, after the football federation came under fire for insisting games go ahead.
“We decided all together to suspend the league,” Sports Minister Mehmet Kasapoglu said in a televised speech after meeting with the chiefs of the football, volleyball and basketball federations. Turkish Football Federation chief Nihat Ozdemir said the period of suspension would be decided later.
Super Lig games have so far gone ahead behind closed doors despite criticism from players and coaches. Former Nigeria international John Obi Mikel quit Turkish football club Trabzonspor because he did not want to play in the midst of the pandemic.
Other players and coaches, including legendary manager and ex-player Fatih Terim, had called on the TFF to suspend the championship, like most other countries. Three people have died in Turkey while 191 cases have been officially recorded, according to the Turkish health minister said.
Snooker - World Snooker Championship - The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, Britain - May 6, 2024 England's Kyren Wilson...
Some England fans were slammed for their behaviour in Dortmund in 2017 — Icon Sport/File LONDON: English police...
Pakistan hockey team players seen in this undated photo.— ProPakistaniKARACHI: Pakistan hockey team managed to hold...
Aussie batter Jake Fraser-McGurk seen in this undated photo.— IPLt20.com MELBOURNE: Batting sensation Jake...
Napoli players seen in this undated photo.— Supersport/File NAPOLI: Last year’s champions Napoli extended their...
Chennai Super Kings bowler Shivam Dube celebrates the wicket of Punjab Kings batter Jonny Bairstow during the IPL 2024...