Tournament officials have backtracked on a statement that suggested Lancome
was withdrawing sponsorship of this week's European Tour event in Paris.
Instead, the cosmetics company is removing all branding and hospitality units
as a mark of respect to the victims of the American hijack atrocities.
An original statement indicating that Lancome was pulling out completely has
been corrected by tournament officials and the £900,000 Lancome Trophy will
still go ahead.
Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia, Ian Woosnam and US Open champion Retief Goosen
will be among those taking part.
Lancome International has specifically requested the company to ensure that
the Lancome brand is not included in the communication created around the event
But organisers' hopes of pulling off the coup of attracting Tiger Woods were dashed
when the world number one withdrew last week.
The American's decision cost him a $2m appearance fee.
The initial statement read: "Due to the dramatic events that occurred
last week in the United States, Lancome has made the exceptional decision this
year not to participate in the golf tournament that bears it name."
"The company organising the tournament (Mark McCormack's International
Management Group) has decided to hold the sporting event all the same."
That was later qualified with another statement which read: "Lancome International
has specifically requested the company to ensure that the Lancome brand is not
included in the communication created around the event.
"The Lancome International Management and all of its teams extend their
condolences to the families and with this gesture wish to show their grief and
support."
The Lancome Trophy has been part of the European circuit for 31 years.
