Eto’o charity match with over 25 footballing giants scheduled to play today in Turkey uncertain
The fate of Samuel Eto’o’s charity game scheduled to be played today (16th July )in Turkey is uncertain as Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Iniesta are reported to still be in Spain.
The attempted military coup in Turkey has raised concerns for the players’ safety as the charity game was set to be played in Atalya, roughly 500 kilometres from Istanbul.
The match was to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of Eto’o’s charitable foundation the “Fundacion Privada Samuel Eto’o” according to Turkish football. Eto’o, former Barcelona and Chelsea striker, founded the charity in 2006 to provide basic healthcare and improve social inclusion in West Africa.
Barca midfielder Arda Turan and former players Carles Puyol, Deco and Eric Abidal are already in Turkey for the match, but “far from areas of danger” according to the Catalan club.
A number world class players committed to play in the match include Neymar, Luis Suarez, Eden Hazard, Francesco Totti, Michael Essien, Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal, Jay Jay Okocha, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Andres Iniesta, Demba Ba, Didier Drogba and Arda Turan were all expected to take part in the game. Nigerian legends Kanu Nwankwo and Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha will participate in a charity games as well.
The Turkish President Recep Erdogan was also reportedly set to attend and play in the star-studded fixture, with Eto’o full of praise for the country’s leader according to the Mirror.
According to the Daily Sabbah former Barcelona players Samuel Eto’o, Eric Abidal, Carles Puyol and Deco headed to Turkey together on Friday for the charity match.
Official announcement pic.twitter.com/snFyiWLmH8
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 15, 2016
On my way to Turkey with good friends! Eager to play again with them! @EtooCharityM pic.twitter.com/ofPdVhVnIH
— Carles Puyol (@Carles5puyol) July 15, 2016
https://twitter.com/HazardStuff/status/754050856220291073
