Forfeited football matches are a rare but controversial occurrence in the world of sports.

Whether due to player misconduct, crowd trouble or administrative issues, forfeited games leave a lasting impact on both teams and fans.

Here are five teams that have forfeited football matches and their reasons for doing so.

 

1. Trabzonspor vs Fenerbahçe- 1998

Fenerbahçe forfeited the game versus rivals Trabzonspor in 1998 after their coach collapsed on the pitch. The Trabzonspor supporters pelted Fenerbache coach with stones until he could not get up. This forced Fenerbache to abandon and forfeit the match.

The Turkish Football Federation awarded Trabzonspor a 3-0 victory and banned Fenerbache from the Turkish cup for a year..

2. AEK Athens vs Panthrakikos – 2013

AEK Athens forfeited a game against Panthrakikos and were fined due to their fans storming the pitch. The incident had players and fans running into the dressing room for safety.

A disciplinary board awarded Panathinaikos a 3-0 victory which ensured AEK Athens were relegated.

3. Al-Ahly vs Al Masry – 2023

Al-Ahly withdrew from the cup game against Al Masry as a result of congested first-team fixtures

With many players called up for international duty, Al Ahly considered playing the reserves but many were out on loan.

Al Masry were granted safe passage to the next round at Al Ahly’s expense.

4. Barcelona Vs Atletico Madrid – 2000

Barcelona forfeited a Copa del Rey semi-final match against Atletico Madrid due to a scheduling conflict.

They couldn’t field a full team of players and appeals to the RFEF to reschedule the game fell on deaf ears. Barcelona’s remaining players refused to play, resulting in their opponents being awarded the victory and advancing to the final.

Barcelona faced a fine and the possibility of exclusion from the competition as a result of their actions.

5. North Korea Vs Japan- 2024

The World Cup qualifier between the sides was scheduled to be held in Pyongyang earlier this month.  Both teams agreed to moved it to a neutral venue because of worries about the spread of infectious disease.

On the set date North Korea called of the game without giving any reason as a result, FIFA handed Japan a 3-0 win.

FIFA declared the game a forfeit as the game could not be rescheduled because of a lack of space in the international football calendar.