Prem trio will play in Hong Kong

Premier League champions Manchester City will join Sunderland and Tottenham at the next edition of the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong.

Last Updated: 17/01/13 at 18:32 Post Comment

City: Will contest Asia Trophy in summer

City: Will contest Asia Trophy in summer

The three clubs will compete alongside local side - and Spurs partner club - South China FC at the biennial pre-season tournament from July 24-27.

It will be City's second appearance in the knockout event having previously played in Thailand in 2005, when they finished third.

Spurs were last involved in 2009, when they beat Hull in the final, while Sunderland will be making a first appearance.

City manager Roberto Mancini said: "The Barclays Asia Trophy will be a fantastic challenge for Manchester City.

"It gives us the opportunity to showcase the club's footballing talent to our supporters in Hong Kong, which is such a vibrant venue to host a high quality tournament like this."

It will be City's second successive pre-season trip to the Far East after touring China and Malaysia last year.

Spurs also see it as a good opportunity to spread their global profile, having visited the United States and South Africa in recent years.

They have also enjoyed a successful relationship with South China FC since 2009.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas said: "Over the past few years, we have seen a significant increase in the levels of support the club has across the region.

"This tournament presents us with an opportunity to thank those fans, as well as introducing new fans to Tottenham Hotspur.

"We are also delighted to have the chance to compete alongside South China FC - a club with which we already enjoy a special relationship."

Black Cats boss Martin O'Neill believes his side will benefit from the trip.

He said: "The stature and prestige of the event is such that, when invited, we readily accepted.

"Hong Kong's reputation as a brilliant venue is also growing tall and we are all looking forward to competing against such very strong opposition on our Barclays Asia Trophy debut."

Hong Kong has twice staged the tournament before, in 2007 and 2011, and all matches will be played at the national stadium.

The Asia Trophy is the only tournament held outside of the UK affiliated to the Premier League, which has previously floated the idea of playing competitive fixtures abroad - the so-called "39th" games.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "We are hugely excited at the Premier League to be bringing the Barclays Asia Trophy back to Hong Kong for a third time.

"The 2011 tournament was without doubt our most successful to date and the atmosphere inside the Hong Kong Stadium on both nights was particularly memorable."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m absolutely disgusted that I've been misquoted in saying that if a chance came up to join Arsenal I would be interested. What I meant to say is if Man United or Chelsea were interested......

gulliver
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Footer 365

Champions League final: Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp says side can bounce back

Jurgen Klopp is backing Borussia Dortmund to reach another Champions League final despite their defeat to Bayern Munich.

Champions League final: Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben relieved by Wembley win

Bayern Munich hero Arjen Robben admitted winning the UEFA Champions League buried his previous demons.

Champions League final: Mats Hummels salutes Bayern Munich after Wembley win

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels admitted Bayern Munich deserved to be crowned champions of Europe.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved