TURKEY to play Iran for Bam victims

Turks.us - In a meeting between the head of the Athletic Departments of Iran and Turkey, an agreement was reached for matches between national teams and/or club teams of the two countries with the proceeds going to the victims of the Bam earthquake.

Mohsen Mehr Alizadeh who had visited Ankara to express the gratitude of Iranian officials for Turkey's financial assistance to the Bam earthquake victims, in a meeting with Mohammad Ali Shahin, head of Turkey’s Athletic Department, proposed the scheduling of such a match.

Following the meeting, in talks with reporters Mohammad Ali Shahin acknowledged the Iranian proposal for a friendly soccer match and said that he would pass the message on the Turkish FA. He continued, "Such a match not only would strengthen the brotherhood ties between the two countries, but also in lieu of the proceeds going to the earthquake victims it would be a very nice gesture on behalf of the sports communities of Iran and Turkey.

"Given Mehr Alizadeh’s position in Iran’s Athletic Department and the accompanying of other members of that department with him for this meeting, there will be talks between the two countries for future athletic cooperations."

Regarding the meeting that took place Mehr Alizadeh expressed, "Considering the cultural similarities between the two countries and the mutual sports interest in both societies, an agreement to such an athletic cooperation between Iran and Turkey can be the stepping stone to even further cooperations in this field."

He continued that as head of Iran’s Athletic Department he would have more talks with his Turkish counterparts to ensure the continuation and expansion of such athletic agreements.

Mehr Alizadeh arrived in Ankara before noon on the 28th and was greeted by Rajab Akdagh, Turkey's Minister of Health. Mehr Alizadeh is scheduled to meet with and express appreciation to several assistance groups who have been taking part in delivering assistance to the Bam earthquake victims. Him and his accompanying team will also have further meeting with Turkish Athletic officials.