Barcelona’s Asian Tour in Jeopardy as Japan Fixture Cancelled over Contract Dispute

FC Barcelona’s pre-season tour of Asia has been thrown into uncertainty following the cancellation of their friendly against Japanese club Vissel Kobe, citing “serious contractual breaches” by the event’s Japanese promoters. The La Liga giants have also warned that their scheduled fixtures in South Korea could potentially be impacted.

Original Tour Schedule

Barcelona’s Statement

In an official statement released late Wednesday, FC Barcelona confirmed the cancellation of the match in Japan:

“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 club expressed its disappointment and regret, especially towards their large fanbase in Japan:

“Barcelona regrets this incident and the impact it will have on the many, many Barça fans in Japan.”

Reaction from Vissel Kobe

Vissel Kobe — home to Barcelona and Spain legend Andrés Iniesta in the final chapter of his career — responded on Thursday, stating they were:

“Currently investigating the situation.”

The J-League side added:

“We sincerely apologise for any concern this may cause to the many fans and stakeholders who were looking forward to this match.”

South Korea Leg Still on Track

The tour’s promoters, D-Drive, a Seoul-based company, assured fans that the matches in South Korea will proceed as planned.

In their official communication:

“All scheduled activities in South Korea will take place as planned, without any disruptions.”

D-Drive squarely placed the blame for the Kobe match cancellation on the Japanese organisers:

“This is an issue that stems solely from the Japanese side and has no connection whatsoever with the Korea tour.”