Beşiktaş President Latest in a Long Line of COVID-19 Cases in Turkish Football
By Dom Smith
Ahmet Nur Çebi, the president of Beşiktaş, has become the latest in a line of recent COVID-19 cases in Turkish football.
Only seven countries have had more cases of COVID-19 than Turkey, where more than 144,000 people have tested positive.
Football in the country is due to return on 12 June, when the Süper Lig will recommence. But the announcement that the club's president has contracted the coronavirus has prompted Beşiktaş to stop training, in accordance with international guidelines.
The club's health consultant Tekin Kerem Ülkü said in a statement (as reported by Goal) that: "The follow-up and treatment process of the people whose test results were positive has started immediately, in line with the relevant procedures."
As well as Çebi of Beşiktaş, two players from rival club Kasımpaşa have also tested positive, although the identities of the players have not been published. The club's best known players are Florent Hadergjonaj, on loan from Huddersfield, and Portugal star Ricardo Quaresma.
Meanwhile, second-tier side Erzurumspor, relegated from the Süper Lig last season, said openly on Wednesday that 11 of their employees had tested positive, including four players. Former Manchester United and Newcastle United midfielder Gabriel Obertan is on their books.
The return date of 12 June has ben criticised from a number of corners in Turkey, with many feeling it is premature. But the Turkish FA issued a statement defending the decision, explaining that their regular contact with health officials had helped them plot a return to football safely and responsibly. They also insist that the date is fixed.
In spite of the recent cases of COVID-19 in Turkish football, Galatasaray are just one of a number of Süper Lig clubs that have returned to training.
All 18 top division sides are due to return on 12 June, with all nine matches kicking off at 4pm, UK time.