Barcelona cancels friendly in Tangier due to regional tensions
Barcelona cancels Morocco friendly
Barcelona has officially decided against participating in a friendly match that was scheduled to take place in the Moroccan city of Tangier on August 15. The club cited the prevailing uncertainty and current circumstances as reasons for deeming the match inappropriate. This decision follows a period of significant social and political tension in the region, particularly after events in Ceuta.
The cancellation means Barcelona will forgo an estimated 4.5 million euros, which was the fee the club would have received for playing in Morocco. The club prioritised the safety of its players and technical staff in making this decision. According to a statement released by the club, the current situation made holding the friendly match unsuitable.
Impact on pre-season preparations
The cancellation of the Tangier friendly adds to a turbulent pre-season for Barcelona. Earlier, another friendly against Preston North End in England was also called off due to the opposing team not having enough players. The match in Tangier held particular importance as it was expected to be the first pre-season fixture where Barcelona would have its full squad available, including players returning from World Cup duty around August 12.
With the Tangier match now off the schedule, German coach Hansi Flick’s pre-season preparations appear to be significantly impacted. The team’s schedule would now consist of only two full 90-minute friendlies, against Birmingham and Al-Ahly. Additionally, there are a couple of 45-minute outings planned against Udinese and Nottingham Forest in the Udine triangular tournament on August 8.
This reduced schedule is considered less than ideal for a squad that is integrating new signings and welcoming back several players who had extended breaks after the World Cup. The club is currently reviewing the situation with Hansi Flick to explore options for arranging another friendly, aiming to ensure the team achieves the necessary readiness before the start of their La Liga campaign.
Regional tensions cited as cause
The primary reason behind Barcelona’s decision stems from a migration crisis that has unfolded in Ceuta. This situation, which involves the arrival of thousands of people crossing the border, has led to local services being overwhelmed and has generated considerable social and political tension in the region. Reports from Mundo Deportivo indicated that the circumstances were not considered suitable for the friendly match, especially in light of the events witnessed in Ceuta over the past week.
The scheduled clash with IR Tangier had been contractually confirmed and locally announced. However, the unfolding crisis prompted Barcelona to reassess the feasibility of traveling for the match. Club representatives were sent to Tangier to evaluate the safety of proceeding with the game, but official confirmation was withheld due to the uncertainty. Club sources were unable to guarantee the fixture would take place, with the board having consulted ministerial authorities and weighed the pros and cons of the situation.
Despite the cancellation, the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Al-Ahly on August 19 is still expected to serve as the traditional showpiece event before Barcelona commences its La Liga season against Elche on August 23.
Source: goal.com
