DOHA: West Ham and Crystal Palace have announced they will not be travelling to Australia after the pre-season Queensland Champions Cup in July was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Hammers were scheduled to be travelling to Australia in July to take part in the tournament alongside fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace and A-League outfit, Brisbane Roar.
“Given the social distancing measures in place across the world to prevent the spread of the virus, along with the suspension of the 2019-20 Premier League campaign until further notice, the decision has been taken to cancel the event, with the health and safety of players, officials and supporters an absolute priority,” the club said in a statement.
“It’s a real shame that we will no longer be able to make it over to Queensland this summer, however, it is the right decision to postpone given the circumstances,” manager David Moyes on the club’s website.
“The players and I were really looking forward to seeing our fans and the people of Australia, especially as there was great excitement and support for the tournament.”
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish described it as “bitterly disappointing” but said football was of secondary importance during the global crisis.
