CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE: UEFA May Postpone Juventus-Galatasaray Again
Copyright � 1998 Nando.net
Copyright � 1998 Reuters
ROME (Nov 26, 1998 - 11:27 EST) - UEFA vice president Antonio Matarrese has hinted the European Champions' League game between Galatasaray and Juventus could be postponed again if the political climate remains fraught.
"If the signs coming from Turkey are of danger, then a further postponment of the game until better times is not to be excluded," the Italian told state broadcaster RAI late on Wednesday.
However Matarrese added that, as matters currently stand, the match "has to be played in Istanbul."
Juventus were due to meet Galatasaray in a Group B tie in Istanbul on Wednesday, but UEFA postponed the fixture for a week because of security concerns linked to the diplomatic row between Italy and Turkey over Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan.
Turkey wants Ocalan extradited to answer charges of treason and murder. Italy has refused this request because of a constitutional ban on extradition to countries, such as Turkey, with the death penalty.
French midfielder Zinedine Zidane says he will not play for Juventus if the postponed game takes place next week.
"We'll have to wait and see what happens and what new decisions UEFA takes. But I tell you, if things don't get better, then I'm not going to Istanbul."
Juventus coach Marcello Lippi has made clear that no player will be forced to play in Istanbul against his will.
"Nobody will be hauled along (to Istanbul) by the scruff of the neck ... but I'm sure that we'll find 11 players to send out to play," said Lippi on Wednesday.
Juventus director Luciano Moggi this week repeated the club's intention to follow UEFA's instructions.
"We can only obey UEFA. However the situation does not seem much changed...and what's certain is that we won't force anyone to travel to Istanbul if they do not feel up to it," said Moggi.
Zidane says he is not the only player in the Juventus squad worried about playing in Istanbul. Defender Mark Iuliano said: "It's not the neutral venue that we want, it's being able to play the game in normal conditions.
"I know very well just how hospitable the Turkish people can be. But I get the impression that if we were to pull off a good result, then all hell might break loose.
"For example, how would the referee act if he had to award us a late penalty?"
