Barcelona cancel Morocco friendly over Ceuta border crisis

Barcelona have cancelled their scheduled pre-season friendly against Moroccan club Ittihad Riadi Tangier, citing the ongoing border crisis in Ceuta as the reason for the decision.

The Spanish champions were due to face the north-west Moroccan side on August 15 as part of their preparations for the 2026/27 season.

In a statement, Barcelona said the current 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 said.

Although the club did not directly mention Ceuta, BBC Sport understands the decision is linked to the crisis in the Spanish enclave on the North African coast, which shares a land border with Morocco.

The situation in Ceuta escalated after about 78,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish territory from Morocco by sea last week.

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The crossings resulted in around 100 deaths and heightened political tensions among European Union countries that operate under the Schengen open-border agreement.

While most of the migrants have since returned to Morocco, reports indicate that between 3,000 and 5,000 remain in Ceuta.

The crisis has also prompted diplomatic and political responses across Europe. Italy suspended its Schengen arrangement with Spain, with support from Finland and Denmark, while the Czech Republic called for Spain’s Schengen membership to be temporarily suspended.

The cancellation is the latest disruption to Barcelona’s pre-season schedule.

The club also saw a planned friendly against Preston North End cancelled following a training camp in the United Kingdom, where Hansi Flick’s side played Birmingham City.

Barcelona are still expected to continue their preparations with a match against Nottingham Forest in Udine, Italy, on Saturday before hosting Egyptian champions Al Ahly on August 19.

The Catalan club will begin the defence of their La Liga title against Elche on August 23.

(BBC)