When the World Cup is done and dusted, it looks like Sydney might be the place to be for international football as Sydney FC takes on Blackburn Rovers, Rangers and AEK Athens in a round-robin tournament in late July.
New South Wales premier Kristina Keneally launched the ambitious six-game round-robin series on Friday morning, with the games to take place from July 25 to 31 this year.
“This inaugural tournament is the first of what will be an annual tournament in Sydney to attract global football brands each and every year,” Keneally declared.
“There is no secret Sydney wants to hold the World Cup final and this event will make a strong statement about Sydney as Australia’s home of football.”
Taking place at the SFS, the series will feature six matches where competition points are accumulated for winning games and scoring goals. Three points will be awarded for a win, one point for a draw and one point for every goal scored.
Reigning Hyundai A-League champion Sydney will kick off proceedings on Sunday July 25 when it takes on AEK Athens in the first clash before an England v Scotland battle as Scottish premiers Rangers take on Blackburn.
Sydney FC will then play Rangers on Wednesday July 28 before closing the tournament by playing Blackburn, home to Qantas Socceroos Brett Emerton and Vince Grella, in the series’ final match.
Sunday 25 July:
Game 1 at 12:45pm – Sydney FC v AEK Athens FC
Game 2 at 3pm – Blackburn Rovers v Glasgow Rangers
Wednesday 28 July:
Game 3 at 6pm – AEK Athens FC v Blackburn Rovers
Game 4 at 8:15pm – Sydney FC v Glasgow Rangers
Saturday 31 July:
Game 5 at 5pm – AEK Athens FC v Glasgow Rangers
Game 6 at 7:15pm – Sydney FC v Blackburn Rovers
