Ankara, Dec. 30 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the Portuguese player, Cristiano Ronaldo, was subjected to a political ban during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, noting that Ronaldo "supports the Palestinian cause."

Erdogan's statements came during a youth forum organized by the branch of the Justice and Development Party in the eastern state of Erzurum, on Sunday.

Turkish president said, "They eliminated Ronaldo. Unfortunately, they have imposed a political ban on him."

"Sending a footballer like Ronaldo to the pitch with just 30 minutes before the end of the match, ruined him psychologically and took away his energy."

Erdogan added, "Ronaldo is a person who stands with the Palestinian cause," he said.

The 37-year...