The organisers of the Florida Cup have confirmed that Sunday’s game between Everton and Millonarios will go ahead as planned.
The Blues landed in the US on Wednesday to the news that Inter Milan had joined Arsenal in withdrawing from competition because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was revealed on Tuesday that the Gunners would not be taking part in the tournament after a small number of their travelling party tested positive for coronavirus.
Then, less than 24 hours later, Inter subsequently also pulled out because of the 'risks' of international travel in spreading the virus.
Everton were scheduled to face either Arsenal or Inter in the second stage of the pre-season competition next week, following their clash against Millonarios.
But in a statement released on Wednesday night, the tournament’s organisers said Sunday's match between the Blues and the Colombian side will still go ahead as planned.
The organisers also confirmed in the same statement that Everton fans can expect additional updates to the tournament schedule to be announced shortly.
“Though we regret Inter Milan's decision to withdraw from the Florida Cup today, we welcomed Everton to Orlando this afternoon, with Millonarios set to arrive tomorrow,” a statement from tournament's organisers read.
“Those clubs will meet as planned on Sunday, July 25, with the match beginning at 6 p.m. ET. Additional updates to the tournament schedule will be announced shortly.
“Out of respect for the fans who purchased tickets to the original lineup, we will be automatically refunding all purchases through Ticketmaster. Additional information will be sent to ticket holders through their point of purchase.
“General admission tickets will be sold for contests on both original match dates, July 25 and 28.”
Everton have not released a full squad list for their trip to the USA but Lucas Digne has hinted that he will be back with his teammates for the tour.
The France international posted a picture to his Instagram story on Wednesday morning along with the caption: "It's time to go."
New signings Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic, who had their respective free transfers confirmed on Tuesday evening, have also made the trip to the US.
While Michael Keane, Mason Holgate, Ben Godfrey, Seamus Coleman, Alex Iwobi - and youngster Charlie Whitaker, were also pictured boarding the club’s plane to Florida on Wednesday morning.
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