Barcelona has canceled their pre-season friendly match against Vissel Kobe in Japan, with reference to contractual infringements by the promoter, while their two planned friendly matches in South Korea also run the risk of suspension, the club said.
The LaLiga champions would play the Japanese side of Vissel Kobe on Sunday and play FC Seoul in South Korea on August 4 on August 31 and Daegu FC.
“Barcelona announces that it is mandatory to suspend his participation in the game for next Sunday in Japan due to serious contractual infringements on behalf of the promoter,” Barca said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Nevertheless, the club will consider adjusting the leg of the summer tour in South Korea,” said it, “if certain conditions are met by the promoter.
“If these conditions are met, the club will travel to South Korea in the coming days. Barcelona regrets this incident and the impact it will have on the many, many Barca fans in Japan.”
In a statement on Thursday, Vissel Kobe apologized to fans.
“We sincerely apologize for some care that this can cause for the many fans and related parties that looked forward to this competition,” said the J1 League club.
“Our club works in collaboration with relevant parties to collect the necessary information and to take appropriate measures.”
Barcelona did not identify the promoter in his statement, but when the Tour was first announced, it had called them as the Yasuda group.
Reuters has contacted Yasuda for comments.
The promoter for competitions in South Korea, D-Drive, said on Thursday that they wanted to make the rest of the Tour a success.
“To our fans in Korea: Feel free to safely be dedicated to D-Drive to make the rest of the Tour a success. We will continue to do our utmost to deliver unforgettable competitions,” said Seul Ham of D-Drive in a statement.