By Peter Omopo
Spanish champions Barcelona have cancelled their scheduled pre-season friendly against Moroccan side Ittihad Riadi Tangier amid heightened tensions surrounding the Ceuta border crisis.
The fixture was scheduled to take place in Tangier on August 15 as part of Barcelona’s preparations for the 2026/27 season. However, the Catalan club announced that the match would no longer go ahead, citing uncertainty surrounding the prevailing circumstances.
In a statement, Barcelona said the situation made it inappropriate to proceed with the fixture.
“In light of the current uncertainty and circumstances, FC Barcelona considers playing the match would be inappropriate,” the club stated.
Although Barcelona did not specifically mention Ceuta in its announcement, the cancellation has been linked to the growing tensions around the Spanish enclave on Morocco’s northern coast.
Ceuta has recently faced a major migration crisis following the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco, creating significant security and humanitarian concerns.
Spanish authorities have returned many of those who crossed into the territory, while efforts continue to manage the situation and address the humanitarian challenges.
The cancellation represents another change to Barcelona’s pre-season schedule after an earlier proposed friendly against Preston North End was also called off following the club’s training camp in the United Kingdom.
Barcelona had previously faced Birmingham City during the UK leg of their preparations.
Hansi Flick’s side are now expected to continue their pre-season programme with a friendly against Nottingham Forest in Udine, Italy, before facing Egyptian champions Al Ahly on August 19.
Barcelona will then begin their La Liga title defence on August 23, when they host their opening league fixture against Elche.
