Football
Andrew Cesare Richardson 3y

Inter Milan join Arsenal in withdrawing from Florida Cup due to COVID-19 fears

Inter Milan are the latest club to pull out of the Florida Cup due to take place this pre-season after Arsenal withdrew on Tuesday.

Arsenal announced they would not be travelling to the U.S. for the tournament due to "a small number of positive COVID tests" at the club.

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And, the following day, Inter released a statement confirming they, too, would be pulling out of the event.

"FC Internazionale Milano announce that they will not be travelling to the USA for the Florida Cup due to the current risks involved in international travel as a result of the spread of the pandemic, risks that have already caused Arsenal F.C. to withdraw from participation," an Inter statement read.

Inter were due to face Arsenal on Sunday and then potentially face on July 28 the winner of Everton's game against Millonarios.

Florida Cup organisers issued the following statement after Inter dropped out: "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. 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.

Regarding Arsenal bowing out on Tuesday, the Florida Cup said: "We are disappointed that Arsenal have decided not to participate in the 2021 Florida Cup.

"We wish the members of the Arsenal travelling party who tested positive for COVID-19 a speedy recovery as we continue making final preparations for the event.

"We will be in communication with fans who purchased tickets to see Arsenal in Orlando regarding their options."

Inter won Serie A for the first time since 2010 last term but financial issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic meant right-back Achraf Hakimi left for Paris Saint-Germain while manager Antonio Conte stepped down and was replaced by Simone Inzaghi.

The Nerazzurri begin the 2021-22 campaign with a home match against Genoa on Aug. 21.

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