Newcastle United were advised today (13 July) by the Football Association that it has withdraw its permission for Newcastle to play their pre-season fixture with Utrecht on 26 July.

The FA released the following statement on their website this evening:

Following conversations with the KNVB and the Mayor of Amsterdam's office, The FA has reluctantly withdrawn permission for Newcastle United to play a friendly with Utrecht on Sunday 26 July.

Sunderland had applied for permission to participate in the Amsterdam tournament, with matches on 24 and 26 July, while Newcastle applied to play Utrecht on 26 July. After liaising with the KNVB and the UK and Dutch Police, permission was given to both clubs with assurances made to The FA that there were no objections to both teams playing in Holland at the same time.

Following concerns raised by the Mayor of Amsterdam, it became clear that only one of the two teams would be able to travel to Holland and The FA actively sought to resolve the situation.

Priority was given to Sunderland for three reasons; their application to play was received first, tickets have already been sold to their supporters, and travel arrangements have already been made. Newcastle United have not yet sold any tickets to their supporters.

The Club now finds itself with its pre-season programme of games disrupted and in the unenviable position of trying to organise another game over that weekend in a very short space of time.

It should be noted also that Newcastle United had already organised flights and hotel accommodation for its travelling party for the game in Holland.

Newcastle United would like to apologise to its supporters for this situation, particularly those that may have already made travel arrangements, however it is clearly a matter that is completely out of its own control.

photo: dailymail