Red Card Group have confirmed that the Argentinian side will sit out the competition due to other 'unforeseen' commitments
Exactly a month away from the start of the Canon Lion City Cup, the oldest youth football competition in the world, and one participating team has had to be replaced.Argentina's Boca Juniors U-15 team have decided to pull out due to 'unforeseen circumstances', according to Red Card Group, the co-organisers of the competition together with Football Association of Singapore (FAS).
The club had cited, 'logistical reasons' as well as the loss of several players from the team to international call-ups.
Taking their place in Group B will be CR Vasco da Gama of Brazil.
“It is unfortunate that Boca Juniors will not be able to partake in this year’s competition," said R.Sasikumar, the Red Card Managing Director.
"But we were quick to react and managed to secure another great youth team in Vasco da Gama who have expressed interest since last year’s edition took place.
"CR Vasco da Gama is a club with a rich history and it is always exciting to have Brazilian flair in the competition like we did last year with CR Flamengo."
Vasco da Gama are known for their 1998 Copa Libertadores success, while their U-15 team won the Guanabara Cup competition last year.
The 24th Lion City cup will begin on June 23 and end July 1, with Vasco's first match being on the opening day of the competition against Singapore National Football Academy U-15 team. They will also take on Manchester City in the group stages.
All matches will be staged at Jalan Besar Stadium.
