Rabat – Real Betis and AD Ceuta FC have postponed the charity friendly that was scheduled to take place on Thursday at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville.
In a joint statement, the two clubs said they had agreed not to stage the match on its original date and would instead explore a new date and format designed to bring the initiative closer to Ceuta’s residents and strengthen its charitable purpose.
The clubs did not officially cite ticket sales as the reason for the postponement. Spanish reports, however, said concerns surrounding the expected attendance and atmosphere at La Cartuja contributed to the decision.
Real Betis confirmed that supporters who had already purchased tickets will receive refunds in the coming days.
Match created as solidarity initiative
The friendly was originally announced as a tribute to Ceuta and its residents following the situation the city has faced in recent months.
Proceeds from ticket sales were due to go to Cáritas Ceuta at the request of the city government, while supporters could also make additional donations through a “Fila 0” fundraising initiative.
Tickets had been priced at €5 plus fees for Betis members and €10 plus fees for the general public, with selected sections of La Cartuja initially opened for sale and further areas due to become available depending on demand.
The clubs said money already raised through the donation initiative will still be transferred to Cáritas Ceuta.
Ceuta is administered by Spain but claimed by Morocco, which has long regarded the territory as occupied and called for its sovereignty to be addressed through dialogue. Spain maintains that the city is an integral part of its territory.
Real Betis and AD Ceuta stressed that they remain committed to eventually staging the match.
