Barcelona Pulls Out of Japan Friendly Over Contract Dispute, Korea Fixtures Under Review

Barcelona have withdrawn from their upcoming pre-season fixture against Japan’s Vissel Kobe, citing what they described as “serious contractual breaches” by the event organisers. The La Liga club also hinted that their scheduled matches in South Korea could be in jeopardy.

The Catalan side had been scheduled to face J-League outfit Vissel Kobe on Sunday, before heading to South Korea for friendlies against FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, Barcelona said:
“FC 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 regrets this incident and the impact it will have on the many, many Barça fans in Japan.”

Vissel Kobe, whose ranks once included Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta, responded on Thursday by saying they were reviewing the matter.
“We are currently investigating the situation,” the club said, offering apologies to fans and stakeholders affected by the cancellation.

Meanwhile, Seoul-based tour organiser D-Drive distanced itself from the controversy, insisting the South Korean leg of the tour remains intact.
“All scheduled activities in South Korea will take place as planned, without any disruptions,” the company said, attributing the Kobe cancellation to issues solely on the Japanese side.