Turkey hosted Russia to a rare friendly game on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, and it ended goalless after ninety minutes of play.

The game was organized in order to mark an improvement in the diplomatic relations between both sides after a period of strain. The Russian team opted in to use the opportunity to test the squad after the poor run at Euro 2016.

The newly appointed coach Stanislav Cherchesov got his debut, even though he would have loved it to end in a win. Cherchesov reshuffled most of the regular squad members for the much-anticipated encounter.

Galatasaray managed to put behind their recent negativity and win the first trophy of the 2016-17 season.

New manager Jan Olde Pink Rieker was bringing a lot of confidence to the team, which was especially the need of the hour. Galatasaray had one of the worst seasons in recent memory after only finishing sixth in the Turkish league. They have also been banned from UEFA European competitions for one year after failing to comply with the financial fair play regulations. The ban will not come into effect immediately and will only apply when the club reach the Europa League or the Champions League.

Galatasaray have failed in their appeal against the one-year suspension given by UEFA for failing to adhere to financial fair play regulations.

The Turkish outfit appealed at the Court of Arbitration, which is the highest court of appeal for sport, but the verdict has come in favour of UEFA and it means that the team will be unavailable for the European campaign whenever they qualify. Incidentally, the club has just missed out on qualification for any form of European competition in the 2016-17 season. The previous campaign was one of the disastrous in the club’s recent history after they finished sixth in the table.

There is news that Turkish club Galatasaray might be interested in signing Stefan Johansen from Celtic.

The player is currently in talks with the Scottish giant for a contract extension but has yet reached an agreement. The player is valued at £3 million and Galatasaray might be prepared to pay the full amount.

The Turkish club is determined to build a team that will help them compete not only in the Turkish League but also in Europe.

During the 2014-15 season of the Turkish Super League, Galatasaray emerged as the champions as they sealed 77 points and only lost 5 matches during the entire season.

Fast forward one year later and the new season kicked off but Galatasaray are struggling to replicate their performances from their previous campaign.

The current season of the Turkish Super League is reaching it’s end and Galatasaray has failed to defend their title and will have to settle with a place on the middle section of the top tier Turkish League.

English Premier League side, Chelsea FC are reportedly making moves for Simon Kjaer to prop up their defense as they hope to restore their pride next season.

The former EPL champions lifted the trophy with Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho but struggled with form this current season before Mourinho was sacked.

Nigerian international, Efe Ambrose, wants a summer transfer move to Fernabahce FC. Ambrose has asked Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers to allow him to move the club, according to reports.

Former Liverpool coach, Brendan Rodgers has only just joined but told Ambrose that until a new defender joins the club, he would be forced to keep the player as one of his options.

They’re not a team that necessarily inspires thoughts of European Championship glory, but you’d be foolish to write off the hopes of Turkey at Euro 2016 just yet.

After all, they have qualified for just four major tournaments in their entire history; and reached the semi-finals at two and the quarters at another.

Fernando Muslera was seen as a Manchester United target almost a year ago.

The Galatasaray goalkeeper was in fine form that led to his worldwide attention. United saw him as the perfect replacement for David de Gea, who reportedly was on the verge of joining Spanish club Real Madrid.

In October, Selcuk Inan’s late free-kick against Iceland secured Turkey’s place at this summer’s European Championship.

Fatih Terim’s men were on the verge of elimination but Inan’s last-minute strike ensured Turkey advanced as the best third-placed side in the qualification stage.