Ghana's Turkey-based striker Caleb Ekuban will play on through the coronavirus pandemic because his Trabzonspor club president says a shutdown would lead to a spike in DIVORCES.
Trabzonspor, who are currently leading the Turkish top-flight table, are keen on winning the title for the first time in many years and the table-topping chairman insists the game must go on.
Several leagues across the globe have been halted because of the coronavirus pandemic but the Turkish league is still being played which has sparked concerns in some quarters.
Trabzonspor president Ahmet Agaoglu says suspending football in Turkey would lead to widespread marital breakdowns.
"Football is the one thing in Turkey that allows people to get rid of their stress, to entertain themselves and to occupy their minds," Agaoglu said.
"If they suspend the league for a long time, in a month from now there won't be enough judges to rule on all the divorce cases.
"We are the leaders right now. Trabzonspor should be declared champions."
Ekuban, a Ghana international striker with the Black Stars, has just recovered from injury but has been instrumental since his return by scoring three goals.
The Turkish FA has ordered matches to be played behind closed doors until April.