Roma have officially announced their withdrawal from this summer’s International Champions Cup. The Giallorossi were waiting to see if Milan would be suspended from the Europa League due to Financial Fair Play infractions, however, this hasn’t happened. Because Roma finished 6th in the Serie A table, they’re forced to partake in the Europa League’s preliminary round, which begins in late July. Here is the club’s full announcement:
AS Roma regrets to announce that the club will be withdrawing from this summer’s International Champions Cup, due to the team’s unforeseen involvement in the preliminary rounds of the UEFA Europa League.
The Giallorossi had been due to play three games in the United States this summer, the last of them coming against Portuguese side Benfica in New York on July 24.
However, with Roma due to participate in the Second Qualifying Round of the UEFA Europa League – which gets underway on July 25 – the club’s pre-season plans have had to change.
Many first-team players will now report to Trigoria in late June for pre-season, in order to prepare for the start of the European competition.
“We were delighted to once again receive the invitation from the ICC to play in the tournament, and were very much looking forward to participating,” said Roma chief executive Guido Fienga.
“We looked at every available option in order to avoid withdrawing, however, in the end the decision had to be made in light of next season’s commitments. I apologise to all the fans hoping to come and watch us this summer. We share your disappointment, but I want to assure you all that we will return soon.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to apologise to the ICC for having to withdraw, but nevertheless wish them a hugely successful tournament in our absence.”
The Giallorossi were also due to face Chivas Guadalajara in Chicago (July 16) and Arsenal in Charlotte (July 20), in what would have been the club’s fifth appearance in the competition since 2014.
Fans who had bought tickets will still be able to attend the matches – which will now see Roma replaced by Fiorentina – or claim a refund.
Further information about the process for receiving refunds will be published in due course.
