Explained: Why was Barcelona's pre-season game in Morocco cancelled?

This is the second time their pre-season game has been called off.

Barcelona have officially cancelled their pre-season trip to Morocco, citing the acute migrant issue in Ceuta. The Spanish champions were scheduled to face IR Tangier on August 15, but club administrators decided that the growing social and political circumstances in the region left them with no alternative but to cancel the match.

The action comes as tens of thousands of migrants entered the Moroccan border into Ceuta. Speaking to the European Parliament, Ceuta leader Juan Jesus Vivas revealed that between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remain in the enclave, expressing ‘deep grief’ over the ‘irreparable tragedy’ of 100 deaths during maritime crossings.

Barcelona call off another pre-season game

This latest cancellation is a big setback to Hansi Flick’s efforts to establish rhythm within his group. The Morocco tour was supposed to be a high-profile test for the senior players, but it is now the second significant event dropped from their summer schedule.

Meanwhile, Barcelona continues with their pre-season preparations for the next season. The Spanish champions began their summer schedule with a dominant 4-1 victory against CE Europa, before tying 2-2 with Birmingham City in their most recent match, which they eventually lost on penalties.

The Moroccan game was called off after a previously cancelled match against Preston North End. Barcelona were initially scheduled to meet the English team behind closed doors on August 3 at a training facility in the United Kingdom. However, that match was also cancelled, leaving the Spanish champions without a competitive opponent during a critical week of training.

The team’s major emphasis remains on August 23, when they kick off their defence of the LaLiga championship with a difficult trip to Elche, forcing the coaching staff to choose whether to add another warm-up match or rely on rigorous training at the Ciutat Esportiva.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.