Sports world voices solidarity with Türkiye after strong earthquakes

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) – Sports world sympathized with Türkiye on Monday after strong earthquakes hit the country's southern region, leaving hundreds of people dead and thousands injured.

European football's governing body UEFA, EuroLeague Basketball, and Real Madrid shared condolences messages each on Twitter.

"The thoughts of UEFA and the European football community are with the people of Türkiye and Syria, and all those affected by this morning's devastating earthquake," UEFA tweeted.

EuroLeague offered its condolences over the loss of lives in the quake, saying: " Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the recent earthquake in Türkiye."

Real Madrid also condoled with the families of those killed in the earthquake.

"Real Madrid C. F., the club's president and its Board of Directors would like to share their deepest sympathy and solidarity for the earthquake that has struck Turkey and Syria in the last few hours," Real Madrid said.

Youth and Sports Minister Mehmet Kasapoglu said all national sports organizations in Türkiye have been suspended until further notice.

Earlier, the Turkish Football Federation extended its sympathy after the deadly earthquake.

Early in the morning, a magnitude 7.7 quake hit southern Kahramanmaras province, leaving at least 912 people death and 5,385 others injured, according to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Later, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Kahramanmaras on Monday afternoon, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).