Hatayspor has pulled out of Turkey’s top football league after Monday’s devastating earthquake that hit the main team, the Turkish Association of Clubs announced on Wednesday.
“Hatayspor have sent a letter warning that they will not play the remaining matches of the season,” club association president Ali Koc, along with Turkish Football Federation leader Mehmet Buyukeksi, announced in a press conference.
Ghana international Christian Atsu, who played for FC Porto and Rio Ave, is still missing, despite the club falsely reporting that he was rescued from the rubble, as is sporting director Taner Savut.
In addition to Hatayspor, which has already made its withdrawal official, too Gaziantep FK is considering not completing the Turkish top league and has until Monday to announce its decision.
Ali Koc stated that even if Gaziantep FK also falls through, he intends to continue the championship with the remaining teams (17) and the rights and participation of the withdrawing clubs for the next season are guaranteed.
Hatayspor is 14th in the standings, with 23 points, led by Galatasaray, with 54, while Gaziantep FK is 10th with 25. The restart of the Turkish league after the earthquake has been postponed and must restart on March 3.
Antioch, the headquarters of Hatayspor, and Gaziantep are two of the cities most affected by Turkey’s earthquake, which has left more than 18,500 dead in the country, according to the latest figures.
Source: DN
