Public Call for the TRNC Friendship Cup: Nurel Criticizes Embargoes

Ahead of the TRNC Friendship Cup U15 Football Organization, which begins tomorrow, TRNC Clubs Union President Redif Nurel invited the entire public to support the tournament in a statement he made. Nurel highlighted the importance of sport in the physical and mental development of children.

Under the patronage of the Prime Ministry and with the contributions of the Cyprus Turkish Football Federation, the youth teams of Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray and Trabzonspor will come together with Turkish Cypriot youths on the same pitch at the organization, which will be played on 7 and 8 November at Lefkoşa Atatürk Stadium.

Reminding people of the saying "a healthy mind in a healthy body," Nurel said sport is an important tool for keeping children away from bad habits. He stated that the goal is to raise them as athletes as well as ethical individuals who are useful to society.

Nurel said that the arrival of a world-renowned club such as Barcelona on the island would be an important source of motivation for children. Objecting to the obstruction of this opportunity due to sports embargoes, Nurel argued that sport should be kept away from political and economic disputes. He noted that the tournament is also important for bringing these embargoes onto the agenda.

Calling on the international community to lift sports embargoes, Nurel invited all sports fans to Lefkoşa Atatürk Stadium. He said that strong attendance would provide an important morale and motivation boost for Turkish Cypriot youth.