ISTANBUL: Turkey’s sports minister voiced support on Tuesday for national team players who saluted the country’s soldiers during their Euro 2020 match with France.
Sports Minister Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoglu described the controversial goal celebration — in which players were seen as supporting Turkey’s current military operation in Syria — as a “nice salute.”
France drew 1-1 with Turkey in the Euro 2020 qualifier amid mounting tensions after Paris condemned Turkey’s military operation against Kurdish militants in Syria.
European football’s ruling body UEFA had already said it would “examine” a military salute given by Turkish players during an earlier match against Albania.
But the sports minister said the controversy was unwarranted, and pointed to the fact that French star Antoine Griezmann had also given a military salute to President Emmanuel Macron in June.
“Those who remained quiet about Griezmann’s military salute are trying to distort our national footballers’ nice salute,” Kasapoglu said in a televised press conference, holding up a picture of Griezmann’s salute.
He said critics were trying to distract from Turkey’s success in staying top of the qualifying group.
“Those who are trying to block out their failure on the pitch should give up on their efforts. The result is clear,” Kasapoglu said.
Kasapoglu also warned UEFA to be “prudent” in its investigation of the salutes.
Turkey’s operation against Kurdish militants in Syria, launched a week ago, has been widely criticized by the international community but has drawn widespread support at home.
Turkey defends footballers saluting soldiers
Turkey defends footballers saluting soldiers
- Sports Minister Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoglu described the controversial goal celebration — in which players were seen as supporting Turkey’s military operation in Syria — as a nice salute
- France drew 1-1 with Turkey in the Euro 2020 qualifier amid mounting tensions after Paris condemned Turkey’s military operation against Kurdish militants in Syria
Roshn Group announced as title partner of LIV Golf Riyadh
- LIV Golf’s season opener returns to the capital from Feb. 4-7 with entertainment over 4 nights under the lights
RIYADH: Roshn Group, Saudi Arabia’s leading real-estate developer, has been announced as the title partner of LIV Golf’s Riyadh event for 2026.
Roshn Group LIV Golf Riyadh will open the league’s 2026 season from Feb. 4-7 at Riyadh Golf Club, as it did last year. The event will again stage the world’s largest professional night-golf tournament.
The event will have some of the game’s leading players, live entertainment, and a range of premium hospitality and fan experiences across four nights of competition.
In 2025, fans were treated to drone light shows, live concerts from award-winning artists, and a Fan Village featuring rides, games, food trucks and family-friendly activities.
As a part of the group’s global partnership across all LIV Golf events, the two brands also launched the “Roshn Rising Stars” program, which will introduce 100 young people to the sport.
Chad Biggs, LIV Golf’s executive vice president and head of global partnerships, said: “Last season’s event under the lights in Riyadh delivered an event unlike anything else in the sports world.
“With ROSHN Group as the title partner this year, we’re excited to collectively build on that momentum in 2026 with an expanded four-day tournament, more entertainment, and enhanced fan experience.
Fans can expect a world-class field headlined by reigning LIV Golf Individual Champion Jon Rahm and last season’s Team Champions Legion XIII, alongside defending LIV Golf Riyadh 2025 winner Adrian Meronk of Cleeks Golf Club.
They will be joined by some of the sport’s biggest names, including Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC), Phil Mickelson (HyFlyers GC), Cam Smith (Ripper GC), Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC), Sergio Garcia (Fireballs GC), and Joaquin Niemann (Torque GC).
The 2026 field will feature 13 major champions with a combined 23 major championship titles.
Fans can secure their four-day and single-day grounds passes as well as hospitality packages at LIVGolf.com.
