Dhaka: Barcelona have cancelled their Asian tour pre-season friendly against Japan's Vissel Kobe citing unspecified "serious contractual breaches", warning matches in South Korea could also be scrapped. The Spanish giants had been due to play J-League side Vissel Kobe on Sunday before travelling to South Korea to face FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Barcelona announced that it has been compelled to suspend its participation in the game scheduled for next Sunday in Japan due to significant contractual breaches by the promoter. The club expressed regret over the incident and its impact on numerous Barca fans in Japan.
Vissel Kobe, the team where Barcelona and Spain legend Andres Iniesta concluded his career, stated on Thursday that they were investigating the matter. Kobe extended an apology for any concern caused to fans and stakeholders who were anticipating the match.
The tour promoters, Seoul-based company D-Drive, expressed confidence that the scheduled matches in South Korea would proceed without disruption. They clarified that the issue originated from the Japanese side and assured that it was unrelated to the Korea tour.