UPDATE - Sports world voices solidarity with Türkiye after strong earthquakes

UPDATE WITH MORE STATEMENTS, DETAILS DECK CHANGED

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) – The sports world sympathized with Türkiye on Monday after strong earthquakes hit the country's southern region, leaving over 1,100 people dead and thousands more injured.

European football's governing body UEFA, EuroLeague Basketball, and several European clubs shared condolences messages 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 Turkey."

Real Madrid also grieved 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.

- More than 1,000 reported dead from quake

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

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

Turkiye's "Big Three" clubs Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, and Besiktas separately launched a public fundraiser for those affected by the earthquake in Turkey.

"FC Barcelona expresses its condolences to the family members and friends of all those who have lost their lives in the earthquake in Turkey and Syria and wishes a healthy recovery to all of the injured and those affected,” Barcelona tweeted.

The Croatian Football Federation sent their condolences to quake-hit Türkiye, saying: "Croatian Football Federation and our football family stand with people of Turkey and Syria following the devastating earthquake, sending deepest condolences and praying for everyone affected."

Real Madrid's Croatian midfielder Luka Modric tweeted: "Turkey and Syria" (folded hands emoji).

"The earthquake catastrophe in Turkey and Syria shocks us deeply. Our thoughts are with all the victims, their families, the people who are worried about their relatives, and of course all the first responders and frontline workers," said German club Borussia Dortmund.

In addition, Italian football sides Inter Milan, Roma, Torino, and Sampdoria also voiced sorrow after the quake.

Early in the morning, a magnitude 7.7 quake hit the southern Kahramanmaras province, followed later by a magnitude 7.6 quake, leaving at least 1,121 killed and 7,634 others injured, according to Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).