Real Betis and Ceuta postpone charity friendly amid ticket sales concerns

Real Betis and AD Ceuta FC have postponed their planned charity friendly at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, with the two clubs set to explore a new date and format for the fixture.

The match, which was scheduled for Thursday, was organised as a gesture of solidarity with Ceuta and its residents following the challenges the Spanish-administered territory has faced in recent months.

In a joint statement, the clubs confirmed they had agreed to postpone the fixture and would work towards an alternative arrangement that would bring the initiative closer to Ceuta’s residents while strengthening its charitable purpose.

Although the clubs did not officially attribute the decision to poor ticket sales, Spanish media reports indicated that concerns over expected attendance and the atmosphere at La Cartuja played a role in the postponement.

Real Betis have confirmed that supporters who purchased tickets will receive refunds in the coming days.

Charity initiative to support Ceuta residents

The friendly was initially organised to raise funds for Cáritas Ceuta, with proceeds from ticket sales set to be donated to the charitable organisation at the request of the city government.

Tickets were priced at €5 plus fees for Real Betis members and €10 plus fees for the general public. Selected sections of La Cartuja were initially made available, with additional areas expected to open depending on demand.

Supporters were also given the opportunity to contribute through a separate “Fila 0” fundraising initiative, allowing donations beyond ticket purchases.

Despite the postponement, Real Betis and Ceuta confirmed that funds already raised through the donation campaign would still be transferred to Cáritas Ceuta.

Clubs remain committed to staging the match

The postponement comes amid the longstanding political dispute over Ceuta, a territory administered by Spain but claimed by Morocco, which regards the city as occupied territory and has called for its sovereignty to be addressed through dialogue.

Spain, meanwhile, maintains that Ceuta is an integral part of its territory.

Despite the delay, both clubs have reiterated their commitment to the charitable initiative and expressed their intention to stage the friendly at a later date, with a revised format aimed at strengthening its connection with the people of Ceuta.