UEFA are set to consider their options for the Champions League final, as Turkey’s military conflict with the Kurds in Syria.
Controversy was forced upon the football world by the players of the Turkish national team who saluted the crowd after earning a draw with World Cup winners France.
The timing of the celebrations raised a few eyebrows, with news of the horrors taking place in northern Syria being widespread prior to the game.
Uefa says it will investigate a military salute given by Turkey footballers after Cenk Tosun scored against Albania on Friday.
In full: https://t.co/OV8oX9p6dh pic.twitter.com/XOj1kpzYHM
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 14, 2019
UEFA vice-president Michele Uva has confirmed they are considering calls, led by Italy, to move next year’s Champions League final.
“We will play our part in full respect of the autonomy and independence of sport, but we certainly cannot replace the UN, EU, States, diplomats, ambassadors and other political institutions,” he told TuttoMercato.
“After that, UEFA decisions are made in conjunction with the UEFA Executive Committee and the President.“
Vincenzo Spadafora, Italy’s Minister for Sport, has written a letter to the governing body, asking if whether European football’s biggest event should go ahead in Turkey.
“We must consider at this time whether it is appropriate [for Turkey to host the final] due to the very serious acts against the Kurdish civilian population,” as per Spanish outlet Marca.
“We must make the bravest decision and show, once again, that football is an instrument for peace.“
The 2020 Champions League final is set to take place in Istanbul’s Ataturk Stadium, but with everything that has happened involving Turkey of late that may change.
Perhaps the Stadio Olimpico in Rome would be a more suitable venue – something I’m sure the Italian FA will have already said to UEFA.