Turkish clubs to have cardboard fans in stands

Clubs are seeking alternative ways to generate income from selling seats for cardboard cutouts in the stands to selling protective face masks, as the Turkish Süper Lig is set to resume on June 12 behind closed doors.

Three major Istanbul clubs, Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, have launched campaigns for their supporters to have their photos on cardboards in seats.

Beşiktaş has launched a campaign titled "Our Spirit is Enough."

"As you all know, due to COVID-19, the Super League matches will be played behind closed doors without spectators," the club said in a statement on its website.

"However, to avoid games in an 'empty' Vodafone Park, we will put cardboard cutouts of our supporters in the stands. Therefore, send your photo and 129 Turkish Liras [$19] for your own cardboard cutout to support Beşiktaş during home games."

Beşiktaş said it will implement the fan project for matches against Antalyaspor, Konyaspor, Kasımpaşa and Fenerbahçe.

Galatasaray also launched a similar campaign, with a price of 123 liras ($18) for season ticket holders and 149 liras ($22) for other fans.

"As part of the campaign, which is expected to draw great interest from tens of thousands of fans from across Turkey and abroad, our fans can also have their cardboard cutouts put next to their family members and loved ones," Galatasaray said in a statements.

Fenerbahçe fans, meanwhile, will pay 99 liras ($14.5) to have their cardboard cutouts be placed in the club's stadium.

"Do not leave your Fenerbahçe alone in these days the stands are silent," the Istanbul club said in a statement addressing its supporters.

"Join us now to say, 'We've loved you more than anything' louder," Fenerbahçe said, adding that the...