Everton are now looking for a friendly this Saturday after pulling out of the Java Cup. Everything looked rosey when Marouane Fellaini attended the launch in Jakarta last month, but problems with the tournament organisers led to Everton withdrawing. Below is the official statement.
Everton can confirm that we will now unfortunately not be participating in the inaugural Java Cup which was due to take place in Indonesia later this week.
Following a number of recently uncovered issues, concerned Club officials asked the tournament organisers for assurances about the competition, especially following the withdrawal of Galatasaray.
Initially, it was indicated that Nacional from Uruguay would replace the Turkish Champions but the identity of the participating clubs and the subsequent structure of the competition remained unconfirmed.
A Club spokesperson explained: "Club officials here in the UK and our forward planning/security team deployed to Jakarta at the weekend have repeatedly asked for clarity and assurances from the organisers on the issues but unfortunately have not received the answers we required in the timeframe necessary to ensure our participation.
"We are grateful for the support today of the Indonesian government in this matter, however the unresolved issues mean that the risk of travelling was too great.
"This decision was not taken lightly and we apologise for the obvious inconvenience caused to our supporters who have made, or were planning to make the trip and to our Indonesian fans who were looking forward to seeing Everton in action.
"The first team squad will now stay in the UK and continue their pre-season preparations."
Supporters who had independently booked to travel, or who have made their way to Indonesia, should first check their travel insurers and then email the Club on: communications@evertonfc.com.
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