Arabic version: برشلونة يلغي وديته في المغرب بسبب أزمة حدود سبتة

According to BBC News, Barcelona have cancelled their pre-season friendly in Morocco because of the ongoing border crisis in Ceuta. The Spanish champions had been due to play Ittihad Riadi Tangier in north-western Morocco on 15 August as part of preparations for the new campaign.

Barcelona said: “In light of the current uncertainty and circumstances, FC Barcelona considers playing the match would be inappropriate.” The club did not specify the reason for the cancellation, but BBC Sport understands that the decision is linked to the situation in Ceuta, the Spanish enclave bordering Morocco on the North African coast.

About 78,000 migrants crossed by sea from Morocco into the Spanish territory last week, resulting in 100 deaths and creating tensions among EU nations with open borders. While a large majority have since returned to Morocco, between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta. Italy suspended its Schengen arrangement with Spain, supported by Finland and Denmark, while the Czech Republic called for Spain’s membership to be temporarily suspended.

Barcelona also had a friendly against Preston North End cancelled after a pre-season training camp in the UK, where Hansi Flick’s side played Birmingham City. They are scheduled to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday in Udine, Italy, before hosting Egypt’s Al Ahly on 19 August. Barcelona begin their La Liga title defence against Elche on 23 August.