Relevent Sports and Catalyst Media Group (CMG) announced the expansion of the 2017 International Champions Cup (ICC) into Southeast Asia. Singapore will be the third country to host the tournament in Asia-Pacific and will be the only country in Southeast Asia to host a leg of the prestigious annual tournament for the next four years (2017 – 2020).
The ICC is the world’s premier summer football tournament and brings the best in football to iconic venues across North America, Europe, Australia, China and now, Southeast Asia. It counts some of the world’s most valued football teams such as Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain as champions in its previous editions of the annual tournament.
Scheduled to take place at the National Stadium July 25 – 29, the 2017 International Champions Cup Singapore will feature Chelsea FC, FC Bayern and FC Internazionale in a round-robin three-match tournament. The fixtures in July will mark the first time top flight European teams play each other in Singapore.
“The ICC has revolutionized the pre-season touring experience for the world’s biggest and best football clubs and we are pleased to be able to expand the event and bring the tournament to Southeast Asia. Singapore is a natural choice due to its location, efficiency and more importantly, the nation’s passion for international sporting events,” commented Mr. Patrick Murphy, President and Chairman, CMG.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has signed a four-year partnership with CMG to anchor the ICC in Singapore, as an exclusive Southeast Asian stop. Attracting and retaining world-class sporting content like the ICC is testament to STB’s constant efforts to grow its destination appeal. STB hopes that the event can attract football fans from around the region and even further afield.
Said Mr Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive, STB: “STB is delighted to partner with CMG to bring the only Southeast Asian stop of the ICC for the next four years to Singapore. In a region where football is hugely popular, having the world’s best teams here will allow us to tap on that interest, and raise Singapore’s profile as a vibrant events destination. The ICC joins the growing list of major sports and entertainment events in Singapore that both Singaporeans and visitors can enjoy.
Tickets for the 2017 International Champions Cup Singapore are on sale now. The tournament kicks off on Tuesday, 25 July, where Chelsea will play Bayern, in a rematch of the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final which Chelsea won 4-3 (1-1 Full Time) on penalties. The next match on Thursday, 27 July, will see Bayern, 2013 UEFA Champions League winner, take on Inter. The Italian club famously completed the treble with their 2–0 win against Bayern in the 2010 UEFA Champions League Final. The third and final game of the tournament will see Inter take on Chelsea on Saturday, 29 July.
In addition to welcoming some of the biggest names in Football to Singapore in July, CMG is also pleased to announce key partnerships with Sport Singapore, Singapore Sports Hub, Mediacorp and Football Association of Singapore. The various partnerships ensure that the local community will benefit from activities that will be organized in conjunction with the inaugural ICC Singapore 2017. More details of the community programs will be revealed at a later date.
Fixtures for the International Champions Cup Singapore 2017
Tuesday, 25 July
Chelsea FC vs FC Bayern
Thursday, 27 July
FC Bayern vs FC Internazionale
Saturday, 29 July
Chelsea FC vs FC Internazionale
Other posts by FO Newsdesk
