Barcelona cancel Morocco friendly amid Ceuta crisis

Barcelona has called off a planned friendly in Morocco, citing the ongoing crisis around the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The club announced it would not travel for the match against Moroccan side Ittihad scheduled for 15 August as part of pre-season preparations.

The decision comes amid heightened tensions after a large migrant influx into Ceuta from Morocco last week. Around 78,000 people entered Ceuta by sea, roughly 100 people died during the crossings, and between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta, developments that have strained regional relations.

This is the second preparatory match Barcelona has cancelled during this summer's build-up. The team also did not play a planned friendly against Preston North End following its training camp in the United Kingdom, where the squad faced Birmingham City.

Remaining warm-up schedule

Head coach Hansi Flick's squad will still meet Nottingham Forest on Saturday in Udine, travel to face Egypt's Al Ahly on 19 August, and then open their La Liga title defence on 23 August against Elche.

In its short statement the club explained the step: "Given the current uncertainty and circumstances, we believe it is not appropriate to play this match," the club said.

Barcelona did not give further operational details for the cancellation but indicated the choice was made on precautionary grounds as the club finalises its plans ahead of the competitive season.

Photo: Barselona H