Turkey’s big four to send youth teams for TRNC Friendship Cup

 

Organised under the auspices of the Prime Ministry, with contributions from the Cyprus Turkish Football Association (KTFF), the tournament will bring young Turkish Cypriot footballers together with youth players from four of Turkey’s leading clubs.

The Prime Ministry announced the event following the cancellation of a planned Barcelona football camp in North Cyprus, which it attributed to Greek Cypriot intervention.

According to the statement, the Greek Cypriot football association consulted UEFA and approached the Spanish football federation to prevent the camp from going ahead. Far-right Greek Cypriot party ELAM subsequently welcomed its cancellation.

The Prime Ministry said Prime Minister Ünal Üstel had since held talks with Turkish Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak and Turkish Football Federation president İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu to arrange an alternative opportunity for Turkish Cypriot youngsters.

The Friendship Cup is intended to give young players experience against established club academies, while encouraging friendships and the exchange of skills.

The statement also drew a historical parallel with the 1975 Cyprus Peace Cup, describing the planned participation of all four clubs as a significant occasion for Turkish Cypriot football more than half a century later.

Turkish Cypriot teams remain excluded from internationally recognised football competitions. The Prime Ministry said the tournament would support young players’ development and strengthen sporting links between Turkey and the TRNC.

Alongside competition on the pitch, organisers aim to promote fair play, mutual respect and friendship among the participants.