The FA's joint-Acting Chief Executive, David Davies, met with officials of the T

The FA's joint-Acting Chief Executive, David Davies, met with officials of the Turkish FA last week to work towards building relations between England and Turkey ahead of the Euro 2004 qualifier in October...
Davies travelled to St Etienne, where Turkey are playing in the FIFA Confederations Cup, and met with a positive response from his Turkish counterparts.

"I met with the General Secretary and the International Teams Coordinator and was very well received. I also had the chance to see Coach Senol Gunes and the Federation President," Davies told TheFA.com.

"This was our first contact with the Turkish FA since the UEFA Disciplinary hearing into the events at the Stadium of Light. The aim of the talks was to lower tensions ahead of the match in October.

"Things have happened that we wish hadn't happened and there is a realisation on both sides that we both have issues to deal with going forward. We looked at ways of working together for the good of football." 

Among the ideas discussed were an England ambassadors visit to schools and youth football facilities along the lines of previous England goodwill visits in Albania and South Africa.

Davies also raised the possibility of a joint press conference with Sven Goran Eriksson and Senol Gunes a few weeks ahead of the match.

"This is only an idea at present and I am yet to speak to Sven about it," added Davies.

"However, he realises how important it is to work together with the Turkish FA and build bridges ahead of this match, which is so crucial to both countries qualification hopes."

Related Items:
England 2-0 Turkey