KAYSERI WANTS TO HOST THE ARMENIA GAME
Hurriyet
Jan 13 2009
Turkey
ISTANBUL – Hailed as ‘Turkey’s most modern football stadium,’
the Kayseri Kadir Has Stadium prepares for its premiere. While the
stadium is still under construction, the mayor has voiced his will
to see Kayseri host an international game, especially the match
against Armenia.
Hoping to host a grand premiere to celebrate its new ground,
Kayserispor plans to welcome at least one high-profile international
football match at the Kadir Has Stadium, particularly the
Turkey-Armenia game.
With work soon to be completed on the 32,500-capacity Kadir Has
Stadium, Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality and Kayserispor Honorary
Chairman Mehmet Ozhaseki voiced his will to see some important games
in the Central Anatolian city.
Ozhaseki first wanted Kayseri to host Turkey’s crucial World Cup
Qualifying Group 5 game against Spain on April 1, but that was vetoed
by Turkish Football Federation, or TFF, chairman, Mahmut Ozgener.
Visiting the stadium last week, Ozgener said despite the quality of
the stadium, it may not be available in time.
"We have to inform [European football’s governing body] UEFA in advance
about the stadium that we are going to play and cannot change it after
that," said Ozgener. "UEFA will come to make some controls on the
pitch, so picking the Kadir Has Stadium for that match will be a risk.
"When the work is done, the stadium will have top priority for hosting
international games," added Ozgener.
If everything goes to plan, the Kadir Has Stadium’s premiere will be
a friendly between Turkey and New Zealand in June.
Ozhaseki also wants the Armenia game on Oct. 15 to be played in
Kayseri as well. "The world will be watching that game, so the
official premiere will be worthy of Turkey’s most modern stadium,"
said Ozhaseki. "The fact that our president was born in Kayseri will
add another meaning to that day of tolerance."
The first game between the two national teams caused much debate, as
President Abdullah Gul accepted the invitation of Armenian President
Serge Sarkissian to watch the game together in Armenia. Despite the
political problems between the two countries, the game was played in
a peaceful atmosphere, and ended with a 1-0 win to Turkey.