O2 football skills event postponed 01/07/2010 |
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A much-trumpeted multi-million-pound football skills event at London’s O2 has been postponed after Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard pulled out.
The A:3K event, which was due to take place a week after the World Cup Final on July 17, has been put back until next summer.
As well as Rooney and Gerrard, it was set to feature Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Cesc Fabregas and David Villa – but the two England players felt it would be “inappropriate” to take part after the 4-1 World Cup humiliation at the hands of Germany. The six were being paid £500,000 each for competing in a series of skills challenges in front of a live audience for two hours.
Terry Byrne, A:3K director, said: “Both Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney have made it clear they believe it would be inappropriate for them to participate in A:3K at this time.
“We fully understand and respect both players’ decisions. We could have replaced them with two other players but feel the players involved are six of the best in the world – and that is what we promised we would deliver.
“Having consulted all parties involved, everyone agreed the only decision possible was to postpone the event until next summer when we intend to deliver the same six player line-up. Our priority right now is to our customers who have purchased tickets.
“We will be offering a full refund or the option to keep the tickets for next year’s event. Once again, all of us at A:3K would like to apologise to our customers, our partners and stakeholders for any inconvenience caused by the postponement.”
Rob Hallett, president of promoters AEG Live, added: “As a football fan, I totally understand and respect Steven and Wayne’s decision to postpone their involvement in A:3K until next year. We look forward to hosting the event at the O2 Arena on the rescheduled date in June 2011.”
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