Blues face Valencia... on Tuesday

Lyndon Lloyd , 5 August, 0comments | Jump to most recent

Despite the schedule for the International Champions Cup billing Everton's final game in the USA for Wednesday in Miami, a poorly-communicated twist in the rules means that the Blues now play on Tuesday at 9pm EDT (2am UK time on Wednesday) against Valencia.

The ICC website has consistently featured a "bracket-style" format whereby Everton, as losing semi-finalists would play for 3rd place on Wednesday.

However, a points-based group format was apparently introduced, specified only in the fine print, and LA Galaxy's victory over Juventus yesterday means that they will contest 3rd place against AC Milan and Everton will play for fifth against Valencia (due to Milan winning the head-to-head with the Spaniards in game 1).

The date change means that Everton fans who made ticketing and travel arrangements for the originally scheduled day could be sorely out of pocket unless the tournament organisers agree to reimburse them because of the confusion.

As recently as 24 hours ago, ICC's Twitter account stated, in a subsequently deleted tweet, that Everton would be contesting the third-place playoff: