Barcelona Cancels Japan Friendly Over Contract Dispute; Korea Tour Also in Doubt

 

FC Barcelona has officially pulled out of their scheduled pre-season friendly against Vissel Kobe in Japan, citing "serious contractual breaches" by the match promoter. The game was planned for Sunday and was part of the club’s broader Asian tour. Barcelona’s statement, released on Wednesday, expressed deep regret over the decision and the disappointment it may cause fans in Japan. The promoter responsible for organizing the Japan leg was not named in the latest statement, but previous announcements had identified the YASUDA Group as the key organizer. Barcelona emphasized that the cancellation was necessary due to the promoter’s failure to fulfill essential agreements, although specific details of the breaches were not disclosed. Vissel Kobe, the Japanese club due to face Barcelona, released an apology to fans and stakeholders, acknowledging the disruption. They added that they were collaborating with involved parties to investigate the situation and respond appropriately. With the cancellation coming just days before the match, it highlights the volatility and logistical challenges that can arise during international club tours, particularly when multiple parties are involved in organizing.

In addition to the Japan cancellation, FC Barcelona’s upcoming tour in South Korea is also in question. The team was scheduled to play FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4.

However, Barcelona warned that these matches could also be suspended unless specific conditions are met by the Korean promoter, D-DRIVE. The club is keeping the possibility open to continue with the tour if the terms are honored promptly. In response, D-DRIVE issued a statement assuring fans in Korea of their full commitment to ensuring the matches go ahead as planned. CEO Seul Ham emphasized their dedication to making the remaining games memorable and successful. Barcelona clarified that they are willing to readjust the Korean leg of their tour if the necessary assurances are provided. The situation has left many fans across Asia uncertain, particularly those who had bought tickets or made travel plans to see the popular La Liga champions. The development underscores the importance of strong contractual adherence in sports event promotion and the impact such setbacks have on international fan engagement and brand outreach.

See also: Arsenal’s 15-Year-Old Max Dowman Shines in Senior Debut Against AC Milan, Sparking Excitement