Dortmund date for Galatasaray
Thursday, November 27, 2003
Article summary
After positive talks, Galatasaray SK's Group D match against Juventus FC will be played in Germany.
Article body
Matches moved
The game was scheduled to be played two days ago, but was postponed along with two other European club matches due to take place on Turkish soil. The decision was made following the recent terrorist attacks in Istanbul on the 15 and 20 November.
Positive discussions
After positive discussions with the clubs and national association involved, the Galatasaray-Juve fixture was moved to Dortmund, with a 20.45CET kick-off. UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner said: "We are very happy that following excellent co-operation between UEFA, the Turkish FA and the home club involved, we have found a suitable neutral venue for the rescheduled match."
Other games
Mr Aigner added that "in due course we will also be able to announce the venue for the other two rescheduled matches" - Besiktas JK against Chelsea FC in the Champions League, and Maccabi Haifa FC's UEFA Cup tie against Valencia CF.
'Necessary move'
"We regret the move to neutral venues is necessary, due to the current security circumstances, however in the interests of the safety and security of players, participants and fans we felt it appropriate," Mr Aigner continued. "It goes without saying that UEFA shares in the sorrow and sympathy for the victims of the bomb attacks and for the people of Turkey at this time."
