Barcelona have officially canceled their scheduled pre-season friendly match against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo due to what the club calls a serious contractual breach by the event’s promoter. This decision has sparked uncertainty over the club’s entire Asia tour, particularly the upcoming fixtures in South Korea.
The Spanish giants released a statement confirming their withdrawal from the Japan leg of their Asia tour, initially set to begin with the friendly on Sunday. The decision comes after disputes over payment and contract fulfillment, threatening further disruptions to their pre-season schedule.
Barcelona Asia Tour Update
- Match Cancelled: Barcelona vs Vissel Kobe
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Reason: Serious contractual breaches by the promoter
- Promoter (Japan Leg): Yasuda Group (as mentioned in the initial announcement)
- Scheduled Matches Remaining: FC Seoul (July 31), Daegu FC (August 4)
- South Korea Promoter: D-Drive
- Club Statement Date: July 24, 2025
- Alternative Friendly Scheduled: vs Como at Estadi Johan Cruyff (August 10)
- La Liga 2025/26 Opener: Mallorca vs Barcelona (August 16)
- Tour Continuation: Only if South Korean promoter meets conditions
Barcelona’s clash with Vissel Kobe was highly anticipated, especially for Japanese fans eager to see the La Liga champions in action. However, the club cited contractual breaches as the primary reason for the cancellation, hinting at financial disagreements and unfulfilled obligations.
While Barcelona did not name the party at fault in their official statement, Yasuda Group had been previously identified as the event promoter during the tour’s announcement. The breach reportedly centers around non-payment issues, as confirmed by sources close to ESPN.
In an official club statement, Barcelona said:
“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.”
Despite the setback, Barcelona expressed willingness to continue with their scheduled matches in South Korea. However, the club emphasized that it will only proceed if specific guarantees are provided by the Korean promoters before departure.
The second leg of Barcelona’s Asia tour, set in South Korea, features matches against FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4. These fixtures remain tentative, depending on whether the local organizer, D-Drive, meets the club’s contractual conditions.
D-Drive, the promoter managing the South Korean events, has publicly stated that it is working diligently to fulfill all commitments and deliver “unforgettable matches” for Korean football fans. Still, Barcelona has not confirmed their travel unless assurances are received.
The sudden cancellation has deeply disappointed fans in Japan. The club expressed regret over the cancellation and the impact it would have on the large community of Barcelona fans in the region.
“Barcelona regrets this incident and the impact on the many, many Barça fans in Japan,” the club added in its announcement.
Likewise, Vissel Kobe responded with an official apology to supporters and all parties involved.
“We sincerely apologise for any concern this may cause to the many fans and related parties who were looking forward to this match.”
The Japanese club confirmed they are collaborating with relevant stakeholders to investigate the situation and decide on necessary actions.
Barca Still Set for South Korea?
While the match in Japan has been officially canceled, there is still hope that Barcelona’s Asia tour might resume in South Korea. The Catalan club remains flexible but cautious, only agreeing to travel if contractual obligations are met without further disputes.
Their scheduled matches against FC Seoul and Daegu FC offer local fans the opportunity to watch some of the world’s biggest football stars, provided all terms are honored.
After wrapping up their Asia schedule, Barcelona are expected to host Italian side Como in a friendly at the Estadi Johan Cruyff on August 10. This match will serve as their final preparation ahead of their La Liga 2025/26 season opener against Mallorca on August 16.
The cancelled Japan tour could disrupt the team’s pre-season rhythm and affect their match fitness heading into the new campaign. However, the club is confident that adjustments to the remaining schedule will keep preparations on track.
FAQs
1. Why did Barcelona cancel their friendly match in Japan?
Barcelona cancelled the match against Vissel Kobe due to what they described as “serious contractual breaches” by the promoter responsible for organizing the game.
2. Which matches were affected by the cancellation?
The primary match affected was the pre-season friendly scheduled against Vissel Kobe on Sunday. The South Korea leg of the tour is still pending, subject to certain conditions being met.
3. Will Barcelona still travel to South Korea?
Barcelona has expressed willingness to proceed with the South Korean tour if specific contractual guarantees are fulfilled by the promoter before the planned fixtures.
4. What are the next scheduled matches for Barcelona after the Asia tour?
Barcelona is set to host Italian side Como at the Estadi Johan Cruyff on August 10, before starting their La Liga 2025/26 campaign against Mallorca on August 16.