Turkey have pulled out of an international tournament in Dubai next month. The Turkish Football Assocation (TFF) announced the withdrawal following an inspection of the facilities for the three-team friendly event.

'Principles' come first
Turkey had been due to play matches against Ghana and Belarus between 3 and 8 January, but according to a TFF statement, the tournament "did not match the principles of our national team".

Not up to standard
The national team's general manager, Can Çobanoglu, said: "We don't take part in tournaments which don't match our standards, nor do we take part only for money. The team's principles have a higher priority than economics."

February date
No alternative plans have been made for a winter camp, meaning 12 February is the next time Turkey are scheduled to be in action - even if the TFF has yet to name an opponent for the planned friendly that day.

Warm-up denied
Coach Senol Günes had announced a new-look squad for the Dubai competition, in preparation for the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier in England on 2 April. Third in the FIFA World Cup last summer, Turkey lead Group 7, five points ahead of England who have a game in hand.