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FC Barcelona have cancelled their upcoming preseason fixture in Japan, citing a “serious breach of contract” by the event promoter as the reason for withdrawing from Sunday’s planned friendly against Vissel Kobe.
The LaLiga champions were due to depart for Asia on Thursday to begin their summer tour, but those plans have now been partially derailed. A source familiar with the situation told ESPN that the breach in question relates to unpaid financial commitments from the Japanese organisers.
"The club have been forced to suspend our participation in the match scheduled for next Sunday in Japan due to a serious breach of contract by the promoter," Barça said in an official statement. "However, the club will consider readjusting the part of the summer tour in South Korea, where two matches are scheduled against FC Seoul and Daegu FC (4 August), provided that certain conditions are met by the promoter. If these conditions are met, the club will travel to South Korea in the coming days. Barcelona regret this incident and the impact on the large community of Barça fans in Japan."
While the Japanese leg has been officially shelved, the club is still exploring the possibility of going ahead with the South Korean portion of the tour, pending assurances from local organisers. Scheduled fixtures include meetings with FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4.
The cancellation has drawn disappointment from fans, particularly in Japan, where the team enjoys a strong following. Barcelona acknowledged this in their statement, expressing regret over the disruption caused and highlighting the loyalty of their Japanese supporters.
Barcelona had been scheduled to fly out from Spain on Thursday morning for the opening leg of the tour. However, those plans were abruptly changed following the dispute.
Upon their return to Europe, the club will resume preseason preparations by hosting Serie A side Como at the Estadi Johan Cruyff on August 10, before kicking off their LaLiga title defence away to Mallorca on August 16.
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