Stringent security for Istanbul tie

The Turkish Football Association (TFF) and the Football Association of England (FA) have emphasised that preparations for next month's vital UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier between Turkey and England in Istanbul are continuing in a spirit of friendship and co-operation.

Meeting in Nyon
A meeting took place on Thursday between senior UEFA officials and representatives of the two associations in Nyon, Switzerland in which European football's governing body received an update on security and other match-related preparations aimed at preventing trouble at the game. England need a point to qualify for next summer's finals in Portugal, while Turkey will qualify if they win the match.

Security measures
It was confirmed that stringent security measures are being put in place by both countries for the match. The FA has not requested tickets for England supporters, and no English fans will be allowed into the stadium, which will be surrounded by a heavily manned police cordon. The FA chairman, Geoff Thompson, repeated his call to English supporters not to travel to Turkey. UEFA and the two associations also stressed that football should be the winner on 11 October.

Positive spirit
"The match on 11 October has been identified as a crucial game not only because of the outcome, but also because of its potential in many other ways," UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner said after the talks. "This meeting underlined the positive spirit that both delegations have in preparing for the game, as well as their friendship."

One-off strategy
The UEFA CEO said that both associations were in full agreement that English fans should not be allowed to attend the match. "This is a one-off strategy taken as a reflected action against hooliganism. We have determined that security forces have co-operated very closely on the issues of exit from England and entry into Turkey."

Triple police cordon
Mr Aigner explained that a triple police cordon would be positioned around the venue in Istanbul, not only to check for objects being carried by spectators, but also to check identities to ensure that England fans did not gain access to the stadium.

Good behaviour
"Both delegations agreed that we should do our utmost to guarantee a calm and measured build-up to the game," said Mr Aigner, who stressed that the players' behaviour on and off the field before and during the game was also crucial. "A safe and secure staging of this match is of utmost importance not only for both associations, but for European football in general."

Special measures
"It was a very positive meeting," said TFF president Haluk Ulusoy. "We have very good relations with the English FA, and these will continue. We are having to take special measures for this match, and we will do our best in terms of the security and organisation of the game. The English FA did not ask for tickets for their supporters, and we support this idea, as it is [aimed] against hooliganism. We hope that football and friendship will win in this match."

No stone left unturned
"Our discussions with colleagues and friends from Turkey have been cordial and extremely constructive," said Mr Thompson. "The two FAs, together with our respective security teams, police forces and governments, have fully co-operated and exchanged considerable amounts of information. No stone has been left unturned in respect of government, police and security help. The Turkish FA have put detailed plans in place for the match, and they are working very hard to ensure that the match in Istanbul passes off successfully and peacefully."

'Stay at home'
The FA chairman added: "Our decision not to take tickets was a difficult one, but we believe this is the right course of action. Once again, supported by our government, our police, UEFA and our colleagues from the Turkish FA, I urge England fans not to travel to Turkey. Please support England by staying at home, watching the match on the TV or listening to the radio commentary. I hope that we are talking about football on the evening of 11 October."