Pre-season preparations of FC Barcelona have sparked intrigue, with unexpected developments reshaping their international tour plans.
Initially, the team was set to embark on an ambitious tour across Asia, with scheduled friendlies in Japan and South Korea, followed by the traditional Joan Gamper Trophy match.
However, a sudden disruption threw these plans into uncertainty, only for a swift resolution to restore the itinerary with a slight delay.
On Wednesday evening, Barcelona announced the cancellation of their Japan trip due to a contractual breach by the promoter of a friendly match against Vissel Kobe, as reported by Jijantes.
The decision led to players being summoned for training at the Ciutat Esportiva, with the club confirming that their South Korea games would proceed as planned.
However, in a major U-turn, the trip to Japan is now back on, thanks to intervention from Rakuten, the club’s former shirt sponsor and partner.
Rakuten stepped in to cover the outstanding payment, ensuring the team’s travel to Japan this Thursday afternoon, albeit with a delay of several hours.
The revived Japan leg of the tour sees Barcelona facing Vissel Kobe on Sunday at noon Spanish time.
Players, who had begun training in response to the initial cancellation, are now packing for the trip, ready to board a flight later today.
This development highlights the club’s strategic maneuvering to pressure the promoter into resolving the issue, showcasing Barcelona’s commitment to their global fanbase and pre-season objectives.
Following the Vissel Kobe match, Barcelona will head to South Korea for two additional pre-season friendlies, further honing their squad for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
The pre-season will culminate with the Joan Gamper Trophy clash against Como, before the team kicks off their La Liga campaign against Mallorca.
This whirlwind of events underscores the complexities of modern football logistics, with Barcelona demonstrating resilience in ensuring their pre-season plans stay on track.
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