Barcelona have officially cancelled a scheduled pre-season friendly in Tangier, Morocco, citing the ongoing migration crisis in nearby Ceuta. The Spanish club were set to play a local side on August 15, but opted to withdraw following a sudden surge in border tensions.
Safety concerns force pre-season schedule change
The decision comes after the Spanish government deployed armed forces to its North African territory of Ceuta in response to thousands of migrants arriving by sea. Given the proximity and shifting security situation, club officials decided proceeding with the event was no longer feasible.
“FC Barcelona informs that the men’s first team friendly match in Tangier potentially scheduled for 15 August has been ruled out,” the club said in an official statement. “In light of the current uncertainty and circumstances, FC Barcelona considers playing the match would be inappropriate.”
