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- Japan leg of Barca’s pre-season tour in doubt
- Club facing logistical issues
- Payment issues have already been resolved
Barcelona‘s pre-season plans have plunged into further chaos. After initially calling off the Japan leg of the tour owing to payment issues – which now seem to have been resolved as per Jijantes – logistical issues stand in the way of the club and could jeopardise their plans, as per Mundo Deportivo.
A chartered flight ‘KE9916’, bound for Kansai, was left waiting at El Prat Airport on Thursday as the airline and club failed to finalise travel arrangements in time. The Catalans are now aiming to fly out on Friday morning and hope to arrive in Japan with enough time to play Sunday’s scheduled match against Vissel Kobe. The squad remains in Barcelona, awaiting final confirmation. It is not, however, ruled out that the team could fly out late on Thursday night.
Barcelona’s pre-season tour to Japan was briefly thrown into chaos after the club canceled its participation due to a breach of contract by the tour’s organising company, D-Drive. The Catalan giants were owed €15 million for three friendlies and related events in Japan and South Korea, but had only received €10 million – primarily covering the Korea leg. With no guarantee of full payment, Barca pulled out just hours before Marcus Rashford’s presentation on Wednesday. The decision sparked concern in Japan, prompting Rakuten – main sponsor of Vissel Kobe – to step in and cover the outstanding balance to save the tour. With financial matters resolved, the club reversed its decision and prepared to travel.
Should the Japan leg of the tour get called off, Barca will proceed with the rest of the tour as planned. They are scheduled to play Korean sides FC Seoul and Daegu, on July 31 and August 4, respectively.
