Friendship Cup Completed

The KKTC Friendship Cup, held in protest against sports embargoes imposed on Turkish Cypriots, has been completed.

The under-15 teams of Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş and Trabzonspor, along with KKTC U15 regional selections, took part in the tournament. The events were held at Lefkoşa Atatürk Stadium on 7-8 November. The organization was carried out under the auspices of the KKTC Prime Ministry, with contributions from the Kıbrıs Türk Football Federation (KTFF). Turkey's Ministry of Youth and Sports also contributed to the event. The opening speeches were delivered by Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Turkey's Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, and KTFF President Hasan Sertoğlu. The event was regarded as a milestone against the embargoes imposed on young people.

Over two days, the under-15 teams of the four major clubs faced the Lefkoşa, Girne, Gazimağusa İskele and Güzelyurt Lefke selections. In addition, selections made up of players from the four major clubs and KKTC teams played an exhibition match. In the exhibition, players wore the same team jersey. One side took the field in red and the other in white KKTC national team kits.

The organization concluded with a gala dinner at the Acapulco Hotel in Girne. The event, the first of its kind in 75 years, ended with this program.

Source: Kibris Gazetesi Spor

Correction (09.11.2026): The event was run by the KKTC Prime Ministry, the Sports Department and KTFF. removed; Speakers criticized the Greek Cypriot and Greek mindset that prevents KKTC youth from doing sports. removed.