Riyadh Season Explains Reasons for Calling off Turkish Super Cup Final

A view of the Al-Awwal Park stadium before the match was called off. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A view of the Al-Awwal Park stadium before the match was called off. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Riyadh Season Explains Reasons for Calling off Turkish Super Cup Final

A view of the Al-Awwal Park stadium before the match was called off. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A view of the Al-Awwal Park stadium before the match was called off. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Riyadh Season explained on Saturday the reasons for calling off the Turkish Super Cup final that was set to be held between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce at the Al-Awwal Park stadium in the Saudi capital on Friday.

In a statement, Riyadh Season expressed pride in the “close relationship” with Türkiye in various fields, including sports.

It said it was looking forward to holding the match as scheduled and according to football regulations and guidelines which stipulate that non-sports slogans are barred from matches.

The issue and regulations were underscored during discussions with the Turkish football federation in preparation for the final, continued the statement.

“An agreement was reached to play the Turkish national anthem and display the Turkish flag inside the stadium, given Türkiye's standing,” it added.

In spite of this agreement, “the two teams, unfortunately, did not respect it and the match was consequently called off,” it explained.



Vieira Appointed New Coach of Genoa

Nice's French coach Patrick Viera looks on during the French L1 football match between Dijon (DFCO) and Nice (OGCN) on March 31, 2019, at the Gaston Gerard stadium in Dijon, central-eastern France. (AFP)
Nice's French coach Patrick Viera looks on during the French L1 football match between Dijon (DFCO) and Nice (OGCN) on March 31, 2019, at the Gaston Gerard stadium in Dijon, central-eastern France. (AFP)
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Vieira Appointed New Coach of Genoa

Nice's French coach Patrick Viera looks on during the French L1 football match between Dijon (DFCO) and Nice (OGCN) on March 31, 2019, at the Gaston Gerard stadium in Dijon, central-eastern France. (AFP)
Nice's French coach Patrick Viera looks on during the French L1 football match between Dijon (DFCO) and Nice (OGCN) on March 31, 2019, at the Gaston Gerard stadium in Dijon, central-eastern France. (AFP)

Genoa have appointed former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira as their new coach, the Serie A club said on Wednesday.

The Frenchman has been out of work since parting ways with French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg in July, having previously managed Premier League club Crystal Palace.

Genoa, hovering above the relegation zone after a lackluster start to the season, sacked coach Alberto Gilardino on Tuesday.

Genoa have 10 points from the first 12 games of the league campaign, leaving them 17th in the standings.

Vieira, 48, began his managerial career with Manchester City's under-23 team from 2013-2015, before he took over at MLS side New York City. He then spent two-and-a-half years at Ligue 1 side Nice before moving to Palace.

He will reunite with new signing Mario Balotelli, having coached the Italian striker for 10 matches when they were both at Nice in the 2018-19 season.