Everton FC Withdraws From Pre-Season Tournament In Indonesia

EPL Everton FC have pulled out of the inaugural Java Cup in Indonesia after "failing to receive assurances over the tournament," according to the PA. Everton was due to participate in the event this week. However, the club "decided not to travel" following the withdrawal of the Turkish champions Galatasaray and the "failure of the organisers to confirm the competing teams." A club spokesperson said: "Club officials here in the U.K. and our forward planning/security team deployed to Jakarta [Indonesia] 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 time-frame necessary to ensure our participation." Everton currently has friendly fixtures scheduled against Blackpool, AEK Athens and Málaga before the start of the new season (PA, 7/24).