Celtic withdraw from South Korea tour as promoters blamed for collapse

Celtic say they have been forced to withdraw from the planned South Korean leg of their Asian tour after the promoter failed to meet their agreed obligations.

The Hoops were originally supposed to be taking on Wolverhampton Wanderers on July 26 but the English Premier League side, as well as Serie A side Roma who were also booked for a game in Seoul, both pulled out leaving the tour in limbo.

And the Scottish champions, who will still play two games in Japan against Yokohama Marinos and Gamba Osaka, have followed suit and terminated their Korean plans “with deep regret”

A statement released by the club on Tuesday said: “It is with deep regret that Celtic Football Club has been forced to withdraw from our match in South Korea.

“Numerous financial and logistical operations were not met by the tour promoter, and after weeks of delays, the club has taken the difficult decision to terminate the contract and pull out of the tour.

“The club and the players were excited about visiting South Korea and giving our fans the opportunity to see the team, but unfortunately, due to factors entirely outwith our control, we have been left with no other option than to withdraw from the match.”

Brendan Rodgers’ side will take on Yokohama F. Marinos on July 19 before playing Gamba Osaka three days later.

They will then return to Lennoxtown to continue their pre-season preparations in Scotland.