The Turkish Women’s Cup, which was scheduled to take place in Turkey’s Alanya town from February 13 to 22, 2023, is expected to be canceled. This is due to the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that has killed over 10,000 people in Turkey and Syria.
Slovenia, Venezuela, Uzbekistan, and Zambia, were scheduled to travel to Alanya to take part in the tournament.
Zambia’s Copper Queens were due to use it as part of their preparations for the 2023 FIFA women’s world Cup.
However, Volcano Discovery reported on Thursday that in the past 24 hours, Alanya, which is scheduled to host the four-nation tournament, had one quake of a small magnitude of 3.0, but no damage was caused.
Turkish President Recep Erdogan has also declared a three-month state of emergency in the ten provinces hardest hit by the earthquake. He said the move is to ensure that rescue work can be “carried out quickly” in the country’s south-east.
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The declaration has automatically canceled the hosting of sports events in those regions and surrounding cities.
Meanwhile, the Zambian government has said they are monitoring the situation should it become worse it is ready to evacuate its footballers based in that country.
FAZ, on the other hand, confirmed that the Zambian footballers in Turkey are safe and not in the affected regions.
Zambia has four women’s national team players plying their trade in the Turkish League. The quartet comprises Hazel Nali, Margaret Belemu, Prisca Chilufya, and Misozi Zulu.
The Copper Queens are preparing to debut at the World Cup which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand starting on 20 July 2023.
