Azerbaijani President Aliyev condemns UEFA ban on Merih Demiral

ISTANBUL

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev Saturday condemned UEFA's decision to impose a 2-match ban on Turkish footballer Merih Demiral for his grey wolf gesture during the Türkiye-Austria match.

"The penalty given to Merih is unjust and I strongly condemn it," said Ilham Aliyev on X.

Demiral was suspended Friday for two matches for using the grey wolf sign at a UEFA EURO 2024 match against Austria.

Aliyev also expressed his support for the Turkish national football team as they prepare for their EURO 2024 quarterfinal match against the Netherlands, stating: "I wish the Turkish national team victory in their match against the Netherlands. Long live the Turkic world."

He then highlighted the achievements of Türkiye and their standout player, Merih Demiral.

"I congratulate our Turkish National Team for performing successfully in the European Football Championship held in Germany and earning the right to play in the quarter-finals, placing them among the 8 strongest national teams in Europe," Aliyev wrote.

"I especially congratulate Merih Demiral, who scored 2 goals and was chosen as the best player of the match in the round of 16," he added.

Aliyev's statements underscore the strong cultural and political ties between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, as well as his support for the Turkic world in international sports competitions.