UEFA are considering stripping Turkey of this season’s Champions League final. This comes in the wake of the country’s military operation against the Kurds across the Syrian border.
UEFA vice-president Michele Uva has confirmed they are considering calls, said to be led by Italy, to relocate next year’s showpiece occasion from Istanbul’s Ataturk Stadium;
“We will play our part in full respect of the autonomy and independence of sport, but we certainly cannot replace the UN, EU, States, diplomacies, ambassadors and other political institutions.
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 UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin posing the question of whether the showpiece event should go ahead in Turkey, according to Spanish outlet Marca.
“We must consider at this time whether it is appropriate due to the very serious acts against the Kurdish civilian population. We must make the bravest decision and show, once again, that football is an instrument for peace,” the letter read.
During Turkeys latest match against France, Turkey players celebrated with a military salute during their 1-1 draw. This despite UEFA launching an investigation into a similar celebration during Friday’s 1-0 win against Albania.
The 2020 final is scheduled to be held at the Ataturk Stadium, on Saturday, May 30 next year
