January 13, 2009 - 16:04 AMT
Kayseri may host Turkey-Armenia return match
Hailed as Turkey's most modern football stadium, the Kayseri Kadir Has Stadium prepares for its premiere. While the stadium is still under construction, the mayor has voiced his will to see Kayseri host an international game, especially the match against Armenia.

With work soon to be completed on the 32,500-capacity Kadir Has Stadium, Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality and Kayserispor Honorary Chairman Mehmet Ozhaseki voiced his will to see some important games in the Central Anatolian city.

Ozhaseki first wanted Kayseri to host Turkey's crucial World Cup Qualifying Group 5 game against Spain on April 1, but that was vetoed by Turkish Football Federation, or TFF, chairman, Mahmut Ozgener.

Ozhaseki also wants the Armenia game on Oct. 15 to be played in Kayseri as well. "The world will be watching that game, so the official premiere will be worthy of Turkey's most modern stadium," said Ozhaseki. "The fact that our president was born in Kayseri will add another meaning to that day of tolerance."

The first game between the two national teams caused much debate, as President Abdullah Gul accepted the invitation of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan to watch the game together in Armenia. The Presidents described the event as a serious impetus for further dialogue.