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.



Egypt’s Al-Ahly Part Ways with Coach Koller

Al Ahly's head coach Marcel Koller looks on ahead of the CAF Champions League semi final second leg soccer match between Al Ahly FC and Mamelodi Sundowns FC, in Cairo, Egypt, 25 April 2025. EPA/MOHAMED HOSSAM
Al Ahly's head coach Marcel Koller looks on ahead of the CAF Champions League semi final second leg soccer match between Al Ahly FC and Mamelodi Sundowns FC, in Cairo, Egypt, 25 April 2025. EPA/MOHAMED HOSSAM
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Egypt’s Al-Ahly Part Ways with Coach Koller

Al Ahly's head coach Marcel Koller looks on ahead of the CAF Champions League semi final second leg soccer match between Al Ahly FC and Mamelodi Sundowns FC, in Cairo, Egypt, 25 April 2025. EPA/MOHAMED HOSSAM
Al Ahly's head coach Marcel Koller looks on ahead of the CAF Champions League semi final second leg soccer match between Al Ahly FC and Mamelodi Sundowns FC, in Cairo, Egypt, 25 April 2025. EPA/MOHAMED HOSSAM

Egypt’s Al Ahly on Saturday announced they parted ways with coach Marcel Koller after being knocked out of the Champions League semifinal.
The 64-year-old came under fire as the defending champions were stunned by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns on the away goal rule as they played to a 1-1 second leg draw in Cairo on Friday, following a scoreless stalemate in Pretoria, Reuters reported.
Bottles of water were thrown from the stands at the Swiss as he left the pitch after the final whistle.
"Due to the emergency circumstances and in light of the distinguished relationship that has been reflected in numerous previous positions, the club is currently negotiating with the coach to terminate the contract by mutual consent in a manner befitting the club and its coach," the club said in a statement.
Since taking the helm in 2022, the former FC Basel and FC Koln coach steered Al-Ahly to several trophies, including two Champions League titles.