Organisers of the tour told media this morning that the NSW government has committed to backing the concept for the coming three years starting with this event that also includes Blackburn Rovers and Glasgow Rangers.

Sydney FC have been earmarked as the Australian representative over that three-year period effectively shutting out soon-to-be A-League club Sydney Rovers who will join in 2011.

The round-robin Sydney Festival of Football tournament will have a trophy for the winner and will also feature a special points system. There will be one point for every goal scored on top of the regular three points for a win and one for a draw.

There may also be a TV deal for the four-team event although that is still being negotiated, said the promoters. All three match days will be double-headers.

The tournament will also coincide with a visit by FIFA delegates who will be checking out infrastructure in Australia.

Organisers added that they are expecting around 10,000 interstate fans  to make the trip to Sydney to see AEK, Rovers and Rangers with the NSW economy reaping a tipped figure of $9m.

The tournament offers Sydney an excellent preparation for their first A-League game the following week against Melbourne Victory. The sky blues will also play Everton earlier in July in Sydney.

The clubs have committed to bringing their best sides to the Sydney Festival of Football which forms part of their pre-season preparations. Rovers have already sent their fitness coach Adrian Lamb to Sydney to check out facilities for training and recovery.

Aussie players set to be on show include Brett Emerton and Vince Grella from Rovers and potentially Nathan Burns who is contracted to AEK but has been on loan last season in the Greek second division. 

Kiwi Ryan Nelson is also set to play for Blackburn.

The schedule of matches are:

 Sunday July 25 - two afternoon matches

Sydney FC v AEK

Rovers v Rangers

Wednesday July 28 - two night matches

AEK v Rovers

Sydney v Rangers

Saturday July 31 - two night matches

AEK v Rangers

Sydney v Rovers