Rabat – Barcelona are reportedly delaying the official confirmation of a preseason friendly in Morocco as they monitor the humanitarian situation unfolding in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan club has already reached an agreement with a Moroccan promoter to play a friendly in Tangier on August 15 against a local side. However, the match has yet to be formally announced due to concerns surrounding the recent migration crisis.
The reported hesitation comes after thousands of Moroccan migrants attempted to reach Ceuta by sea in recent days, prompting a major humanitarian emergency. Authorities estimated that around 60,000 people entered the enclave this week.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona wants to wait before making a final decision, with the possibility of cancelling the fixture if the situation deteriorates further.
The friendly had been expected to serve as an important part of Hansi Flick’s preparations ahead of the new La Liga season, coming just over a week before Barcelona’s league opener against Elche on August 23.
If the match goes ahead, it could mark the first preseason appearance of several Spanish internationals following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Joan García, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Pedri, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal, who are all expected to return to the squad in mid-August.
Should the Morocco fixture be called off, Barcelona’s only remaining preseason match before the start of the campaign would be the Joan Gamper Trophy against Egyptian club Al Ahly on August 19.
Barcelona has not issued an official statement regarding the reported delay or the status of the proposed friendly. According to Mundo Deportivo, the club is continuing to monitor developments before making a final decision.
