Cypriot Liverpool supporter urges club to pause Turkish Airlines partnership

Liverpool, United Kingdom. A Greek Cypriot and lifelong Liverpool supporter has urged Liverpool FC to pause implementation of its partnership with Turkish Airlines and consult its Cypriot supporter community.

The supporter said the deal had caused concern among Greek Cypriot fans because Cyprus remains divided and Turkish forces remain in the north of the island.

Partnership agreement

Liverpool announced on Tuesday that it had agreed a five-year deal with Turkish Airlines, which will become the club’s main partner from June 1, 2027.

The agreement will bring the first change in the club’s leading shirt sponsor since 2010, ending Standard Chartered’s 17-year run. Media reports said the deal would be worth more than £300 million, placing it among the most lucrative in the Premier League.

Call for consultation

The supporter said Liverpool has a large and longstanding following in Cyprus, adding that many Cypriots identify with the club’s culture of community, solidarity, resilience and unity.

The appeal said the objection was not directed at Turkish people, Turkish supporters or Turkish Liverpool fans, but concerned whether the club had considered the impact of the partnership on Cypriot supporters.

Questions for the club

The supporter asked whether the Official Liverpool Supporters Club in Cyprus had been consulted before the agreement was reached, whether Cyprus’ continuing division had been considered during ethical and reputational due diligence, and what assessment had been made of the effect on Greek and Greek Cypriot supporters.

The supporter said they would not buy or wear a Liverpool shirt carrying the Turkish Airlines sponsor and called on the club to pause, listen to Cypriot supporters and answer the questions before proceeding.