Barcelona‘s pre-season preparations have taken a major blow after they cancelled their first fixture ahead of the new campaign.
The Spanish giants were due to play Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe in Tokyo on Sunday in the first of their three matches of their Asian tour.
However, on Thursday morning it was announced that was no longer the case with the game now off because of ‘serious contractual breaches’ by the promoter. The Catalan club have not identified the promoter but named Yasuda Group when first announcing the tour.
‘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,’ they said in a short statement.
Mail Sport have reached out to Yasuda Group for comment.
Furthermore, the LaLiga champions warned that their remaining games in South Korea against FC Seoul (July 31) and Daegu (August 4) could also suffer the same fate. Korean company D-DRIVE are promoting those matches.
Barcelona’s pre-season fixture in Japan against Vissel Kobe on Sunday has been cancelled
The likes of talisman Lamine Yamal will have to wait longer for their pre-season games to begin
‘Nevertheless, the club will consider readjusting the leg of the summer tour in South Korea if certain conditions are met by the promoter,’ Barca continued.
‘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.’
In their own statement J1 League champions Vissel Kobe apologised for 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.
‘Our club is working in collaboration with relevant parties to gather necessary information and take appropriate measures.’
Speaking about the matches in South Korea, D-DRIVE said on Thursday they wanted to make the remainder of the tour a success.
‘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,’ D-DRIVE CEO Seul Ham said in a statement.
The cancellation of Sunday’s match means Barcelona fans will have to wait longer to see new signing Marcus Rashford wear their famous colours after he was officially unveiled by the club on Wednesday evening.
The 27-year-old has joined on an initial 12-month loan from Manchester United, with the Catalan giants having the option of signing the England international on a permanent basis in 2026.
