Rabat – Barcelona are expected to earn approximately $4.5 million from a planned friendly match in Morocco next month, according to Spanish media reports.
Barcelona confirmed on Wednesday that their board of directors is finalizing arrangements for the men’s first team to play a friendly against a local club in Tangier on August 15.
The Catalan side have not yet identified their opponent, while the club’s statement did not officially confirm the venue or financial terms of the proposed fixture.
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo said that Barcelona are expected to receive around $4.5 million for taking part in the match.
The payment would provide additional revenue during the summer transfer window as the club continues working within LaLiga’s financial regulations.
The friendly is expected to take place at the Grand Stade de Tanger, although Barcelona have so far confirmed only the city and date. The identity of the Moroccan opponent is also still under discussion.
Match added to preseason program
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick reportedly requested an additional preparation match between the club’s preseason tournament in Udine on August 8 and the Joan Gamper Trophy against Egyptian side Al Ahly on August 19.
During the Udine event, Barcelona are scheduled to face Italian club Udinese and England’s Nottingham Forest.
The proposed Morocco fixture would therefore offer Flick another opportunity to assess his squad shortly before the start of the competitive season.
The financial return is another important consideration for Barcelona. International friendlies can generate appearance fees, sponsorship exposure, and new commercial opportunities, particularly in countries where the club has a large supporter base.
Morocco has a significant Barcelona following, with the country hosting more officially recognized Barça supporters’ clubs than any other African nation.
The oldest Moroccan supporters’ club is based in Tangier and received official recognition in 2005.
The planned match would not be Barcelona’s first appearance in the northern Moroccan city.
In July 2012, the Catalan club defeated Raja Club Athletic 8-0 in a friendly in Tangier, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick. The city also hosted Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Sevilla in the 2018 Spanish Super Cup.
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