SL Benfica replaces Porto in 2015 International Champions Cup

In a surprise announcement, International Champions Cup event organizers have announced that SL Benfica will replace Porto in this summer’s tournament, which will be played in stadiums across North America.

As a result, it means that Benfica will play Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in Toronto at BMO Field, ACF Fiorentina in East Hartford, CT at Rentschler Field, New York Red Bulls in Harrison, NJ at Red Bull Arena and Club América on July 28 at a venue to be announced.

“FC Porto has communicated its inability to complete their full schedule in the 2015 International Champions Cup and has therefore been replaced,” according to a press release from Relevent Sports, organizers of the ICC tournament.

“Benfica, who wrapped up the Portuguese league title with their victory this past Sunday, will be the sixth current first division domestic league champion participating in this summer’s the International Champions Cup (Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, FC Barcelona, Club America, LA Galaxy and Benfica).

“Benfica will play the same schedule originally set for FC Porto and start in Toronto, where they will face French league champion Paris Saint-Germain at BMO Field on Saturday, July 18. They will then play ACF Fiorentina on Friday, July 24 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford and then travel to New York to face the New York Bulls at Red Bull Arena on Sunday, July 26. Benfica will conclude its portion of the 2015 International Champions Cup North America when it faces Mexican champions Club America on July 28 at a venue to be announced.

“For all FC Porto fans that have purchased tickets to the club’s matches, full refunds will be available at the point of sale. All tickets that have been purchased previously prior to the change in teams will be honored.”