London, Sept 22: The build-up to England's vital Euro 2004 qualifier with Turkey next month has been clouded by conflicting messages from the Turkish authorities over whether England fans will be welcome. The English Football Association has warned England fans not to travel to the match, which will take place at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul on 11 October.
And the Turkish FA has backed that line by announcing that England fans will not be allowed into the stadium to watch the match.
However, Turkish police say England fans will be welcome in the city.
The police in Istanbul also say they have had no intelligence from their British counterparts about the numbers of England fans who might travel to the game.
And the Turkish police claim they have not had any clear indication from the Turkish FA about whether English fans who try to get into the match should be allowed in.
The English FA have declined their ticket allocation and urged fans not to travel because the country could be expelled from Euro 2004 if there is any more trouble involving England supporters.
However, some are expected to ignore their advice and travel to Turkey anyway.
In addition to the advice not to travel the English FA has also decided to ban players' families from attending the match.
FA communications chief Adrian Bevington said, "We have not taken any decisions surrounding this match lightly and hope this continues to send the strongest message that the FA, government and police do not want any individuals travelling to Turkey."
Bureau Report