Barcelona Cancels Japan Friendly Over Contractual Breaches

FC Barcelona has cancelled their upcoming pre-season friendly against Japan’s Vissel Kobe, citing “serious contractual breaches” by the event’s promoter.

The Spanish club also warned that the remaining fixtures on their Asian tour, scheduled in South Korea, could be at risk.

Barcelona had been set to face J-League side Vissel Kobe on Sunday before traveling to South Korea for matches against FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, the club 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. Barcelona regrets this incident and the impact it will have on the many, many Barça fans in Japan.”

Vissel Kobe — the former club of Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta — responded on Thursday, saying they were “currently investigating the situation”.

“We sincerely apologise for any concern this may cause to the many fans and stakeholders who were looking forward to this match,” the club added.

The tour promoter, Seoul-based D-Drive, stated that the issue lies solely with the Japanese side and assured that the South Korean leg of the tour remains unaffected.

“All scheduled activities in South Korea will take place as planned, without any disruptions,” D-Drive said.

“This is an issue that stems solely from the Japanese side and has no connection whatsoever with the Korea tour.”

(AFP)