Everton pulls out of Java Cup

The Toffees were due to participate in the event later this week, but after the withdrawal of Turkish champion Galatasaray and the failure of the organisers to confirm the competing teams, have decided not to travel after all.

A club spokesperson said: "Club officials here in the UK and our forward planning/security team deployed to Jakarta at the weekend have repeatedly asked for clarity and assurances from the organisers on the issues, but unfortunately have not received the answers we required in the time-frame necessary to ensure our participation.

"We are grateful for the support today of the Indonesian government in this matter, however the unresolved issues mean that the risk of travelling was too great.

"This decision was not taken lightly and we apologise for the obvious inconvenience caused to our supporters who have made or were planning to make the trip, and to our Indonesian fans, who were looking forward to seeing Everton in action.

"The first team squad will now stay in the UK and continue their pre-season preparations."

Everton currently has friendly fixtures scheduled against Blackpool, AEK Athens and Malaga before the start of the new season.