China Withdraws From Series In Saskatoon

Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian Soccer Association and the Saskatchewan Soccer Association today regretfully announced the two-game series with China, scheduled for September 19 and 21, has been cancelled after the Chinese Football Association made the decision to return its women’s national team to China.



Chinese national women’s team officials told the CSA on Thursday, September 13 that the team would fly to Saskatoon after their game with the United States was cancelled as a result of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. However the Chinese Football Association decided to recall their team back to China and advised the CSA of their decision Monday morning by fax.



The fax from Zhang Jilong, Executive Vice-President of the CFA stated:



“We are very sorry to inform you that we have urgently asked our women’s team to come back to China directly from the United States instead of continuing their journey to your country due to the present situation of tension which has been a big concern of our sports body. The team will depart from Chicago on September 17th for Beijing.



We condemn the terrorists, which not only took lives of the innocent but affect people’s life to such a large extent. We sincerely apologize for all the inconveniences caused by our team’s absence and look forward to making it up in the future.”



In its response to the fax, the CSA commented:



“While we are disappointed that our matches cannot proceed, we fully acknowledge the concerns you have expressed and the tensions you have experienced. The worldwide response condemning the terrorist reactions has been forceful and we all hope nothing even close to these tragedies will ever happen again anywhere in the world in our lifetimes.



We look forward to discussing with you the rescheduling of these matches in the very near future and to maintaining the close relations which exist between our two Associations.”



Canadian Women’s World Cup Team Head Coach Even Pellerud, already in Saskatoon with his players, has decided to hold a training camp there and to play an exhibition game against Saskatchewan’s Canada Games men’s team at UMEA (The Saskatoon Kinsmen Henk Ruys Soccer Centre at 219 Primrose Drive). The team is also attempting to organise an exhibition game for Thursday evening. The players and staff will return home on Friday morning.



The CSA hopes to arrange an international soccer event in Saskatoon at the earliest time possible.