The 2020 International Champions Cup men’s tournament has been called off by organizers Relevent Sports Group due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

The move has been almost inevitable for a number of weeks due to the ongoing uncertainty of when European soccer leagues will complete their domestic competitions and Uefa-run tournaments, such as the Champions League and Europa League.

The pre-season summer tournament, which is primarily staged in the United States and Asia, is also affected by the extensive travel required by its participants. There is also the issue of venue availability, a commercial reliance on matchday revenues, and local health requirements.

The move robs big-name European clubs of the opportunity to promote themselves and their commercial partners in key international target markets this year. This, however, is likely to be a minor concern at present due to the implications of public health crisis.

As of now, the ICC women’s and youth tournaments are still being planned. SportBusiness understands that Relevent Sports has furloughed and laid off some staff following the cancellation.

Danny Sillman, Relevent Sports chief executive, said in a statement: “The health and safety of players, staff, fans, and all who are involved in our matches is always paramount. The lack of clarity of when social distancing and shelter-in-place restrictions will be lifted and the uncertain international football calendar with the potential for European domestic leagues and Uefa tournaments being played into August, means planning a men’s International Champions Cup this summer is unfeasible. We look forward to bringing the best clubs and most iconic matchups in the world to the US and Asia in 2021.”

SportBusiness understands planned games included an FC Barcelona v Real Madrid El Clasico match in Los Angeles and a clash between FC Barcelona against Juventus in Miami, reuniting long-time rivals Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The tournament was originally scheduled for mid-July to early August.

Prior to the health crisis, the ICC has been poised to have a reduced format in 2020 due to the presence of an expanded 24-team European Championship and the 12-team Copa America. Both tournaments have now been postponed until 2021, along with the Tokyo Olympics.