Press Releases

Embargoed! criticises FIFA for “Pathetic Proposal” to Turkish Cypriots - 12 September 2008

12 September 2008, London: Human Rights group Embargoed! have criticised world football governing body FIFA for its “pathetic” proposal to lift part of the isolations on football teams in North Cyprus, claiming it undermines the fundamental rights of Turkish Cypriots. The group, which for the past four years has campaigned to end all embargoes on North Cyprus, have sent the executive committee of FIFA and Presidents of the 53 nations that belong to the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) a letter and ‘Balls to Embargoes’ poster protesting the deal Turkish Cypriot footballers have been offered.
After months of discussions and various promises, FIFA and UEFA announced on 31 July 2008 their interim solution to enable Turkish Cypriots to participate in friendly international matches. In an offer made to the Cyprus Turkish Football Association (CTFA), Turkish Cypriots would need to forgo membership to their own FA and instead join the Greek Cypriot run CFA, which is a full member of FIFA.
The move has incensed North Cyprus’ football community (managers, players, club owners, and journalists), who claim their fundamental rights have been ignored. It is a view shared by Embargoed! who argue that FIFA’s proposal not only undermines the rights of Turkish Cypriots under the Republic of Cyprus constitution to manage their own sporting affairs, but also the UN accepted parameters that the two sides are, and must be treated equally.
Embargoed! Chairperson Fevzi Hussein stated, “Turkish Cypriots have been waiting a long time for FIFA to play fair by permitting them to enjoy international matches, just as Greek Cypriots have done for the past 50 years. Instead they have been given a pathetic offer, which in one swoop would remove their constitutional rights. It beggars belief that FIFA has still not grasped the Cyprus Issue. Instead they continue to break their own statutes by discriminating against people because of their ethnic origin and allowing political thinking to determine its decisions, which means the beautiful game of football continues to be on the losing side.”

In December 2005, Embargoed! called on Turkish Cypriot players in North Cyprus and the UK to ‘strip for their rights’ in a campaign called “Balls to Embargoes”. The PR stunt was timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of FIFA’s ban on international matches for Turkish Cypriots and the resulting images and story went worldwide. The photos were used to create a poster which highlights the story and impact of the ban. Following these actions, FIFA pledged to review its ban, which finally resulted in its July 2008 proposal. In response, Embargoed! has sent a copy of the ‘Balls’ poster with a letter to members of FIFA’s executive committee and the Presidents of the 53 Football Associations that make up UEFA, calling on them to help end this ‘unfair and unsporting’ ban.


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