A message to all England fans from the F.A.
Dear Football Supporter,
You will be aware of The FA’s decision not to make tickets available to England fans for next month’s European Championship qualifier in Turkey. Given the unfortunate recent history between our countries, we have taken this difficult decision to ensure that this important match passes off as smoothly and as safely as possible for everyone concerned.
The FA, supported by the Government, the Police and UEFA, urges anyone thinking of travelling to Istanbul and who might be considering purchasing black market tickets NOT to do so. The Turkish authorities are not expecting our supporters to be present and there will be no segregation in the Sukru Saracoglu stadium in Istanbul for England supporters.
The England team has worked extremely hard to secure pole position in Group 7 and, throughout this qualifying campaign, the vast majority of England fans have provided the team with fantastic support. We are extremely grateful for this. However, due to a number of unsavoury incidents involving some England supporters home and away, UEFA have made it very clear that any further trouble could lead to the team’s expulsion from the tournament.
We realise that our policy will prevent some fans from pursuing their hobby. We also realise that our stance penalises innocent fans. However, we are doing all we can to protect the wider interests of the game. The England team is as important to the millions of fans who watch matches on TV as it is to the thousands who watch the team live.
Please do not put our country in a position where our players’ and coaches’ efforts are undermined by problems off the pitch. Please ensure we do not have to face the shame and indignity of expulsion from a major tournament. On behalf of The FA and all of the England players and coaches, please respect our request for England fans not travel to Istanbul.
Thank you for your support and co-operation.
Paul Barber
Director of Marketing and Communications
