Barcelona cancel pre-season friendly in Japan citing contractual breaches

Barcelona have cancelled their pre-season friendly match against Vissel Kobe in Japan, citing “serious contractual breaches” by the event promoter, the club confirmed in a statement. The cancellation casts doubt over the club’s remaining two fixtures in South Korea, scheduled against FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4.

“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 Spanish club said in an official statement. “Nevertheless, the club will consider readjusting the leg of the summer tour in South Korea if certain conditions are met by the promoter. If these conditions are met, then the club will travel to South Korea in the coming days. Barcelona regrets this incident and the impact it will have on the many, many Barca fans in Japan.”

Vissel Kobe, Barcelona’s scheduled opponent in Japan, expressed regret over the cancellation. “We sincerely apologise for any concern this may cause to the many fans and related parties who were looking forward to this match,” the J1 League side said on Thursday. “Our club is working in collaboration with relevant parties to gather necessary information and take appropriate measures.”

While Barcelona did not name the promoter in its statement, the club had previously identified YASUDA Group as the organiser when the tour was announced. YASUDA has been contacted for comment.

Meanwhile, South Korean promoter D-DRIVE, which is organising the matches in Seoul and Daegu, reiterated its commitment to moving forward with the tour. “To our fans in Korea: please rest assured — D-DRIVE remain fully committed to making the rest of the tour a success. We will continue to do our utmost to deliver unforgettable matches,” said Seul Ham, CEO of D-DRIVE.