The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has rejected claims that its national team delegation was subjected to unusual security screening at a Belgian airport the night before a UEFA Nations League match against Belgium. The federation said the delegation passed through "routine" passport control and left the airport without delay.
What happened at the airport
According to Turkish media reports, the TFF delegation — including players and staff — was held up at passport control after arriving at Liège Airport on Thursday, October 1, 2026, ahead of the match in Belgium. Habertürk sports correspondent Oğuzhan Genç, reporting from the scene, said "Belgian security forces created a problem there; therefore a delay is occurring," and that the delegation remained at the airport as the situation continued.
The delay reportedly pushed back a pre-match press conference with head coach Vincenzo Montella, which had originally been scheduled for 19:45 local time, according to Türkiye Today.
TFF's response
The TFF issued a statement rejecting characterizations of the incident as harassment or an extended search. The federation said the delegation "exited the airport without experiencing any issues or search procedures," attributing the delay instead to security escort arrangements made for the team's safety that caused the group to leave the terminal together rather than individually.
The federation also credited Belgian officials and Turkey's ambassador to Belgium for cooperating throughout the process, according to Hürriyet and Türkiye Today. No claim of discrimination or formal diplomatic protest was included in the TFF's statement.
The match
Turkey played Belgium on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 21:45 Turkish time at the Maurice Dufrasne Stadium, in matchday three of UEFA Nations League A. The fixture was broadcast in Turkey on ATV, with Rohit Saggi appointed as referee.
Turkey entered the match having failed to earn a point in its first two group matches, according to Fanatik.
Background: past friction at airports
This is not the first time Turkey's national team has reported difficulties at a foreign airport before a match. In June 2019, Turkish officials said the team underwent lengthy security screening on arrival at Keflavik Airport in Iceland ahead of a Euro 2020 qualifier; Iceland's foreign ministry disputed the account at the time, saying the screening lasted about 1 hour 23 minutes and followed required procedures, according to Al Jazeera.
What is known and not known
- Known: The delegation experienced a delay at Liège Airport on October 1, 2026, confirmed by multiple Turkish outlets at the scene.
- Known: TFF denies any search or mistreatment took place, citing security escort logistics.
- Not known: The exact duration of the delay.
- Not known: Any response or statement from Belgian airport or security authorities.
Questions
- What exactly happened to the Turkish team at the Belgian airport?
- Turkish media reported that the TFF delegation was held up at passport control at Liège Airport on October 1, 2026, the day before the Belgium match, with reporters on the scene saying Belgian security created a delay.
- Did the TFF confirm mistreatment or harassment?
- No. The TFF stated the delegation passed through routine passport control and left the airport without any search procedures, attributing the delay to security escort arrangements.
- Did Belgian authorities comment on the incident?
- None of the available reports include a statement from Belgian airport or security authorities on the incident.
- When and where was the Belgium–Turkey match played?
- The match was played on October 2, 2026, at 21:45 Turkish time at the Maurice Dufrasne Stadium in Belgium, as part of UEFA Nations League A.
- Has Turkey's national team reported similar airport incidents before?
- Yes. In June 2019, Turkish officials said the team faced extended security screening on arrival in Iceland before a Euro 2020 qualifier; Iceland's foreign ministry disputed the account, saying the screening followed standard procedure.
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