Barcelona Cancels Morocco Pre-Season Friendly Over Security Concerns Linked to Ceuta Crisis

Barcelona have cancelled their planned pre-season friendly against Moroccan side Ittihad Riadi Tangier, citing uncertainty surrounding the current situation in the region.

The match was scheduled for August 15 in Tangier as part of Barcelona’s preparations for the 2026/27 football season. However, the Spanish champions announced on Friday that the fixture would no longer go ahead, describing the circumstances as unsuitable for the game to take place.

In a statement, Barcelona said the decision was made because of the uncertainty surrounding the current situation.

“In light of the current uncertainty and circumstances, FC Barcelona considers playing the match would be inappropriate,” the club said.

Although Barcelona did not specifically identify the security situation as the sole reason for the cancellation, reports have linked the decision to heightened tensions surrounding Ceuta, the Spanish territory on the North African coast that shares a border with Morocco.

The region has recently faced renewed pressure linked to migration, with a significant number of migrants attempting to enter the Spanish enclave from Morocco. The situation has created humanitarian, diplomatic and security challenges for authorities on both sides of the border.

While many of those who crossed into Ceuta have reportedly returned to Morocco, several thousand migrants remain in the territory, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the region.

For Barcelona, the cancellation represents another disruption to a pre-season schedule already affected by changes. The club previously had a friendly against Preston North End cancelled following its training camp in the United Kingdom, where the team also faced Birmingham City.

Despite the setback, Barcelona are expected to continue their preparations for the new campaign with further fixtures. The club is scheduled to face Nottingham Forest in Udine, Italy, before taking on Egyptian giants Al Ahly on August 19.

Manager Hansi Flick will then turn his attention to the start of Barcelona’s La Liga title defence. The Catalan club is scheduled to open its league campaign against Elche on August 23, with the team hoping to begin the new season strongly.

The decision to withdraw from the Morocco fixture highlights the extent to which developments outside football can affect pre-season plans, particularly when security and regional stability become concerns. Barcelona will now have to adjust its preparations as the club works toward the start of another demanding campaign.