According to Turkish media, both teams were due to warm up in shirts bearing the image of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, to mark the 100th anniversary of the country's independence.

When the Saudi organisers refused to allow the gesture, Istanbul's bitter rivals and the Turkish Football Federation decided to postpone the match, which was due to be played at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.

"The Super Cup 2023, which was due to be played on Friday at 20:45 (Turkish time), has been postponed to a later date following a joint decision with our clubs," they said. They also thanked the host country "for their efforts" in organising the match. 

A Turkish Fenerbahçe fan living in Saudi Arabia told AFP on condition of anonymity that he had been barred from entering the stadium because for wearing a T-shirt bearing the image of Atatürk. "They (the Saudis) invited us. They should respect us," he said. 

Saudi Arabia wants to establish itself as a world sporting superpower, investing heavily in football, but also in Formula One, golf, horse riding, boxing and other sports. Saudi Arabia has hosted major football events in last years, including Manchester City's recent Club World Cup victory and the Italian and Spanish Super Cups.