World Cup trophy in South as KTFF calls for end to sports embargoes
NORTH Cyprus football bosses highlighted the need for the sporting isolation of young Turkish Cypriots to end, as South Cyprus hosted the Fifa World Cup Trophy — to be awarded to the winner of the tournament being staged by the sport’s world governing body in Russia this summer. The Coca-Cola-sponsored fourth Fifa World Cup Trophy Tour kicked off with an official launch ceremony in London in January. The trophy was exhibited when it reached Larnaca before being brought to South Nicosia last Friday, where it was hoisted aloft by Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades. Cyprus Turkish Football Association (KTFF) president Hasan Sertoğlu, asked by Cyprus Today whether any effort had been made to have the trophy brought to North Cyprus following recent failed attempts to unite football on the island, commented: “Even if it were possible to bring the World Cup trophy to the North — which it is not — what is the point of bringing the trophy here when our young people face very harsh embargoes in football and [all other] sports?” From South Cyprus, the trophy passed to the Palestinian city of Ramallah, on the West Bank, and Amman in Jordan. It is due to finish its world tour in Osaka, Japan, on April 30. September 2 Rally-Sprint (KKORD-KYOFF) September 23 Plümer Off-Road race (KKORD) October 26-28 Afrodisia 2018 (KYOFF) November Kombos Off-Road race (KKORD) December 15 Rally-Sprint (KKORD-KYOFF)