FC Barcelona have cancelled their upcoming pre-season friendly against Japan’s Vissel Kobe, citing “serious contractual breaches” by the event’s promoter.
The Spanish club issued a statement on Wednesday confirming their withdrawal from the match, which was scheduled for Sunday, July 28.
“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 statement read. “Barcelona regrets this incident and the impact it will have on the many, many Barça fans in Japan.”
The La Liga giants were due to face J-League side Vissel Kobe—former club of Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta—as part of their Asia tour. Following the Japan fixture, Barça are still slated to play two matches in South Korea, against FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4.
Vissel Kobe responded to the announcement on Thursday, stating they were “currently investigating the situation” and issued an apology: “We sincerely apologise for any concern this may cause to the many fans and stakeholders who were looking forward to this match.”
The tour’s promoter, Seoul-based company D-Drive, sought to assure fans that the remainder of the tour will proceed as scheduled.
“All scheduled activities in South Korea will take place as planned, without any disruptions,” a D-Drive spokesperson said. “This is an issue that stems solely from the Japanese side and has no connection whatsoever with the Korea tour.”
Barcelona have not provided specific details regarding the nature of the contractual breach.