Mourinho's side set to miss out on cup tournament due to UCL clash

Fenerbahçe announced its pre-season schedule on Saturday, which includes a training camp in Portugal from July 14th to 27th and was expected to culminate in a match against Benfica for the Eusébio Cup at the Estádio da Luz.

However, Benfica has not confirmed the match on July 26th, issuing a statement on its official website indicating that nothing is finalized.

A BOLA has learnt that an agreement was in place, but Benfica and Fenerbahçe finishing as runners-up in Portugal and Turkey, respectively, puts both clubs on a potential collision course in the UEFA Champions League.

"SL Benfica informs that, at this moment, negotiations with Fenerbahçe are ongoing regarding the possibility of contesting the Eusébio Cup.

"When (and if) all negotiations are concluded, SL Benfica will announce all the details surrounding a trophy that represents so much to the club and all Benfica fans," the Eagles stated.

As a non-seeded team, José Mourinho's side could face Benfica as early as the third qualifying round, or potentially in the play-off round.

In any case, the draw for the third qualifying round takes place on July 21st, five days before the scheduled date for the Eusébio Cup, so it's likely Benfica will decide on whether or not to face Fenerbahçe before then.