With just a couple of weeks to go until their first planned match of pre-season, Wolves have spectacularly announced that they have cancelled their planned tour of South Korea. The club were due to travel to Asia next month for two matches against Roma and Celtic, however, they have now pulled out due to promotional issues.
The tour to South Korea has been planned for some time, with Wolves keen to join the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool who are also touring the continent this summer. The club will now be in a race against time to organise other friendly matches to ensure they are in the best shape possible heading into the upcoming Premier League season.
As things stand, Wolves only have one confirmed pre-season match. Julen Lopetegui's side will face Stade Rennais on the 5th of August at Molineux in what was meant to be the club's final game before the new season. The Midlands outfit travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United the following week in the opening Premier League gameweek.
Promoters to blame for the cancellation
Speaking about the decision to cancel the tour, Wolves' General Manager for Marketing and Commercial Growth, Russell Jones was very open about who was to blame. In a statement released on the club's official website, Jones said:
“We have been in close dialogue with the tour promoters for the past two months as they sought new investment, following the loss of the original tour investor. But unfortunately, and despite numerous promises, they have not delivered.
“We've not taken this decision lightly and have explored every avenue thoroughly in an attempt to not let our fans down, including numerous conversations with other local promoters. Of course, this decision is a big blow to the club from a commercial perspective, but I am fully aware of the most important reason for pre-season, which is the preparation for another important Premier League campaign.
“Because of this, we have to move on quickly from this disappointment. We have to adapt, and will find a European solution to ensure the best possible preparation.”
With great regret, we can confirm that the club has been forced to withdraw from its pre-season fixtures and tour to South Korea next month.
This comes after numerous financial and logistical obligations were not met by the tour’s promoter.
— Wolves (@Wolves) June 29, 2023
Sympathy for Hwang Hee-Chan
A large reason for the planned tour of South Korea was due to new Asian interest in the club thanks in large to the signing of Hwang Hee-Chan. In his statement, Jones expressed sympathy for the club's forward and also for the fans who were hoping to see him in action. He said:
“I feel incredibly disappointed that we’re not going to be able to fulfil the commitments that we made in South Korea this summer, not only for our partners and suppliers, but, of course for Hee Chan and all of our fans.
“We are absolutely gutted to not be going to Korea. We’re all devastated because we had so many different things planned for supporters that we’re now not going to be able to fulfil.
“To the supporters in Korea, we want reiterate to you that we are committed to the Korean market and we hope to find a way to demonstrate that to you, in spite of the disappointing news about the upcoming tour and matches.”