The previous morning, former Shakhtar and Dynamo coach Mircea Lucescu failed to leave Saudi Arabia on time, where he had been invited to attend the Turkish Super Cup match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe as a VIP guest.
For unknown reasons, the authorities in Riyadh delayed the flight to Turkey with representatives of both clubs on board, as well as officials and guests of honour, including Lucescu.
As a result, the passengers had to wait about five hours for the flight to depart.
It is noteworthy that the Turkish Super Cup match in Saudi Arabia did not take place. It was cancelled shortly before kick-off due to the fact that the local authorities did not approve the teams to take to the pitch wearing shirts with the image of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - the founder and first president of the modern Turkish state.