Barcelona Tour Drama To Asia, Had Canceled It To Japan For Reasons Of Contract Violation

Barcelona are finally still leaving for Japan for the pre-season tour (Instagram/@fcbarcelona).

JAKARTA - Barcelona had suspended this month's Asia tour in Japan due to a serious contract violation by the promoter.

The pre-season friendly match will actually be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, against Vissel Kobe, but the match was canceled on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Initially, the Blaugrana said they were only willing to go to South Korea if certain guarantees were given beforehand.

The 2024/2025 La Liga champions are scheduled to compete against FC Seoul on July 31, 2025, and Daegu FC on August 4, 2025 in South Korea.

According to ESPN reports, the breach was related to payments promised by organizers for Barcelona's involvement in the match.

"The club was forced to suspend our participation in a match scheduled for Sunday in Japan due to a serious contract breach by the promoter," Barcelona said in a statement.

However, the latest news on the tour to Japan continues.

Barcelona's drama touring to Asia stems from the Yasuda Group - the original organizer of the Barcelona tour - which was deemed to have failed to meet payments until the deadline.

In the end, the departure to Japan, which was originally scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025, failed to take place.

Suddenly, the Rakuten Group - a Japanese company that was once Barcelona's main sponsor in 2017-2022 - took over the responsibility of the Blaugrana tour.

The company that owns Vissel Kobe ensures Barcelona remains in Japan to play a friendly match.

"As a result of contract issues, we have coordinated with various parties, including FC Barcelona, to continue to hold matches under the coordination of the Rakuten Group."

"Once again, we apologize for the concerns and inconvenience felt by fans looking forward to this match."

"Latian terbuka Barcelona di Stadion Noevir Kobe, Sabtu, 26 Juli 2025, diubah dari latihan publik menjadi latihan tertutup."

"We apologize to many parties who are looking forward to this open exercise. Ticket refunds will be notified as soon as possible, please be patient," Vissel Kobe said in an official statement.

Barcelona had arrived in Japan on Saturday, July 26, 2025, and immediately held a practice. Initially, the exercise could also be watched for fans, but then held closed.

"Barcelona arrived in Japan. The plane carrying the Blaugrana to Asia arrived safely at Kansai Airport."

"Tur has started smoothly, FC Barcelona has arrived in Japan, the first stop before pre-season travel which will also be held in South Korea."

"The plane landed at Kansai Airport before the group made a 90-minute road trip to Kobe."

"The Blaugrana crowd is led by President Joan Laporta, First Vice President Rafael Yuste, Treasurer Ferran Olive, and Member of the Miquel Camps Council, Xavier Puig, Angel Riadalbvis, Joan Sole, Joan Soler, and Simco Pujol."

"Thus, Hansi Flick and 30 of his players are now in Asia, with their next match against Vissel Kobe, Seoul FC, and Daegu FC," Barcelona said in a statement.

Drama yang terjadi di Jepang membuat penggemar Barcelona di Korea Selatan sempat berharap-harapan cemas.

However, D-Drive, as the promoter of Barcelona's tour to South Korea, ensured that the La Liga club's activities were in accordance with the plan.

The Blaugrana will consider rearranging part of the summer tour in South Korea, where two matches are scheduled against FC Seoul and Daegu FC, provided that some of the requirements are met by promoters.

If these requirements are met, the club will depart for South Korea in the coming days.

Upon his return from Asia, Barcelona will host Serie A club Como 1907 in a friendly match at Estadi Johan Cruyff on August 10, 2025 before starting efforts to defend the La Liga title at Mallorca on August 16, 2025.