Besiktas Clash In Doubt

And this isn't the first time that Chelsea have found themselves in this situation. Two years ago, when paired with Israeli team Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Uefa Cup, six Chelsea players refused to travel to Israel. Their safety was not guaranteed then, therefore they decided against going- after Ken Bates gave his players the choice. Amazingly, the English press slated them for this, even though Bates had given them the choice!

Yesterday, an official Chelsea statement read: "Proposed local security arrangements around this fixture for travelling Chelsea fans do not, at present, satisfy the club's conditions for ensuring an enjoyable and secure football experience.

"Chelsea is in a continuing review process with all the relevant government and football authorities with the intention of reaching a satisfactory resolution. Officials at Uefa are co-ordinating this action on behalf of the club.

"In the meantime, the club strongly advises fans not to commit to travel and accommodation arrangements for Turkey at this stage."

And all Britons have been advised to avoid travelling to Turkey unless it is essential.

Uefa have already swithed the venues of two Uefa Cup ties due to be played in Turkey next week- and you would expect them to the same for our game! If it is to be switched, the most likely venue will be the Hungarian capital city, Budapest.