Speaking during the meeting, President Tatar said  “everyone says that sport is the key to friendship,” but  “because of the vetoes of the Greek Cypriot side over the years, sports embargoes have been put on the Turkish Cypriot people and our youth, which is a great injustice.”  

President Tatar said that he has been bringing up the sports embargoes in every meeting with foreign dignitaries and officials in the context of the Cyprus issue, adding that he will “continue to persistently put forward this great injustice . . .the world sees that the Turkish Cypriot people attribute great importance to human rights and are a civilized people.” 



“WE WILL CONTINUE TO PUT FORWARD A STRUGGLE AGAINST THE SPORTS EMBARGOES FOR OUR YOUTH AND OUR FUTURE”

President Tatar said there are “capable and successful Turkish Cypriot youth who can participate in international tournaments in every sports branch,” adding that “we will continue our struggle against these unjust sports embargoes for our youth, for our future”. 

The President added that as the Presidency, they are endeavoring to carry out important work on the matter and are voicing this injustice on a greater level.



“I ALSO FEEL THE EMPTINESS OF NO FOOTBALL DUE TO PANDEMIC”

President Tatar said he also served as the head of a football club in the TRNC, adding: “Football is a very important part of my life. I am also feeling the emptiness due to the fact that football matches are not being played due to the conditions emanating from the pandemic.”

The President expressed his hope that “this problem will be resolved in the near future and we will be able to enjoy the football matches that we have all missed”.

KTFF president Hasan Sertoğlu expressed his belief that there will be steps taken aimed at tackling the sports embargo under the leadership of President Tatar who he said “has close interest in football”.

Also attending the meeting was KTFF 2. Vice President, Oktay Çocuk and Administrative Board member Mustafa Akçaba. The meeting was also attended by Presidential Sports Affairs advisor, Sertaç Bozatlı.