Barcelona cancel Japan friendly, South Korea leg in doubt

BARCELONA: Barcelona have cancelled their upcoming pre-season friendly against Vissel Kobe in Japan due to what the club described as “serious contractual breaches” by the event promoter. The LaLiga champions were scheduled to face the J1 League side on Sunday.

In an official statement on Wednesday, the Spanish giants said, “Barcelona announces that it has been obliged to suspend its participation in the game scheduled for next Sunday in Japan due to serious contractual breaches on behalf of the promoter.”

The club also revealed that its two scheduled matches in South Korea — against FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4 — are at risk of being called off unless certain conditions are fulfilled by the tour organizers.

“Nevertheless, the club will consider readjusting the leg of the summer tour in South Korea if certain conditions are met,” Barcelona added. “If these conditions are met, then the club will travel to South Korea in the coming days.”

Japanese club Vissel Kobe responded with an apology, stating, “We sincerely apologise for any concern this may cause to the many fans and related parties who were looking forward to this match.”

The cancellations have cast uncertainty over Barcelona’s Asia tour and left thousands of fans disappointed.