Barcelona cancels Morocco friendly due to migration crisis

FC Barcelona has announced the cancellation of a friendly match scheduled for August 15 in Tangier, northern Morocco, against Ittihad Riadhi. According to L'Équipe, the Catalan club determined that «conditions are not in place» for the match to take place, citing the diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco.

The decision follows a migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, located roughly 50 kilometers from Tangier. In late July, approximately 72,000 migrants entered illegally in just a few days, triggering a serious diplomatic row between the two nations. Though Spanish authorities report that some 70,000 have since returned to Moroccan territory, the crossing has resulted in a tragic toll: nearly 80 deaths, primarily from drowning in the Mediterranean.

Barcelona, Spain's defending champions, will continue their pre-season with matches against Nottingham Forest and Udinese in Italy, followed by hosting Egypt's Al Ahly in the Gamper Trophy on August 19. Their La Liga campaign kicks off on August 23 with a trip to Elche.