German footballer Mesut Özil called for lifting sports embargoes on Northern Cyprus

Renowned German footballer Mesut Özil, during his visit to Northern Cyprus, urged the lifting of sports embargoes that have been imposed for many years on the Turkish Cypriot population. According to him, the time has come to take real steps to solve this problem.

Özil emphasized that during his trip to the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, he met both with young athletes and with the Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. During the meetings, possible measures were discussed to remove restrictions that prevent athletes from Northern Cyprus from participating in international competitions and fully developing the sports movement.

The footballer noted that sport is a right for all people, regardless of political circumstances. According to him, Turkish Cypriots have faced isolation in this sphere for decades, which negatively affects the development of young talents and the overall sporting level of the region.

The President of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, thanked Mesut Özil for his attention and support of the Turkish Cypriot community. He stressed that such initiatives by famous athletes help convey to the international community the necessity of lifting sports restrictions, which Turkish Cypriots consider unjust.

Thus, Mesut Özil’s visit became not only a sign of solidarity but also an important signal in the international discussion on the future of sports in Northern Cyprus and on ways to overcome the consequences of long-term political isolation.