Barcelona’s Morocco friendly in doubt amid migration crisis

Barcelona are yet to confirm whether they will go ahead with a planned pre-season friendly in Morocco after a migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta cast uncertainty over the fixture.

The Spanish champions had reached an agreement with local organisers to play a match in Tangier on 15 August, but an official announcement has been postponed as the club monitors developments along Morocco’s northern coast.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona could still withdraw from the match should the situation worsen in the coming days.

Club monitoring developments

The uncertainty follows the large-scale movement of migrants into Ceuta, with Spain’s Interior Ministry reporting that around 49,000 people arrived in the enclave by sea.

The figure represents more than half of Ceuta’s population of 84,208, while at least 18 deaths have been reported during the crisis.

Barcelona are said to be closely following events before making a final decision on whether to proceed with the fixture in Tangier.

Important test ahead of new season

The match had been viewed as a key part of coach Hansi Flick’s preparations ahead of Barcelona’s opening La Liga game against Elche on 23 August.

The encounter in Morocco was also expected to mark the return of several players who featured in Spain’s successful World Cup campaign, including Juan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Pedri, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal, all of whom are due back with the squad on 12 August.

Anthony Gordon and Jules Kounde, who reached the semi-finals of the tournament with their respective national teams, could rejoin the team even earlier.

Al Ahly clash remains alternative option

Should the Tangier match be cancelled, Barcelona’s only remaining pre-season fixture before the start of the league campaign would be the Joan Gamper Trophy against Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

The match is scheduled to take place on 19 August at Spotify Camp Nou and could become Barcelona’s final opportunity to fine-tune preparations ahead of the new domestic season.

The club is expected to make a decision on the Morocco trip once the situation surrounding the migration crisis becomes clearer.