Arsenal are scrapping their usual Emirates Cup preseason tournament this summer because of the congested schedule and planned pitch reconstruction work.
The club announced on Monday that the four-team tournament, which began in 2007, will take a one-year hiatus as work on a new pitch at the Emirates Stadium will take place throughout the summer.
The Emirates Cup will not be held this summer to due Euro 2016 and pitch renovation work: https://t.co/3NR5AU42gg pic.twitter.com/eDBc9Hkdy9
- Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 18, 2016
"We know how popular the Emirates Cup is with our fans here in the UK and around the world, so we are disappointed that we will not be hosting it this summer," Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said in a club statement.
"The shorter preseason window and the need to relay our pitch has resulted in this decision being taken. We look forward to hosting the tournament in 2017."
Arsenal also cancelled the tournament in 2012 because of that summer's Olympic Games in London.
The Gunners will still have a busy preseason as they travel to the United States -- after the completion of Euro 2016 -- for games against the MLS All-Stars and Chivas Guadalajara in California.
According to the club, other preseason matches in Europe "are also under consideration."
Arsenal said work on a new pitch at the Emirates Stadium would start immediately after the season's last home game against Aston Villa on May 15.