Barcelona did not board the plane to Japan. The Spanish champions have canceled the friendly match against Vissel Kobe due to a breach of contract by the organizer of the friendly fixture.
Barcelona’s much-anticipated preseason tour of Asia has taken an unexpected and controversial turn, as the club announced the abrupt cancellation of their scheduled friendly match in Japan against Vissel Kobe.
The decision came after a serious contractual dispute between the tour’s South Korean organizer, D-Drive, and the Japanese company Yasuda Group, which was in charge of hosting the Japan leg of the tour.
In an official statement, D-Drive publicly laid responsibility for the collapse of the Tokyo match at the feet of the Yasuda Group, stating that the Japanese partner had failed to fulfill key contractual obligations. According to reports in Spanish media outlets including Marca and Mundo Deportivo, the Yasuda Group allegedly defaulted on crucial financial commitments, including advance payments and operational guarantees. These failures reportedly triggered protective clauses in Barcelona’s touring agreement, leading the club to pull the plug on the Japanese leg altogether.
The friendly against Vissel Kobe a team with deep ties to Barcelona, having once featured legends such as Andrés Iniesta and Bojan Krkić was scheduled to take place this coming Sunday in front of what was expected to be a sell-out crowd. The fixture was not only a commercial opportunity but also part of a broader strategic relationship between the two clubs. Its cancellation is a major setback for Barcelona’s preseason marketing plans in Asia and has caused considerable frustration among fans in Japan, many of whom had already purchased tickets and made travel arrangements.
For Barcelona, the decision was not taken lightly. Club officials reportedly spent several days attempting to resolve the contractual dispute behind closed doors. However, after multiple delays and no clear resolution from the Japanese organizers, the club opted to withdraw rather than risk further complications. Legal action from either side has not been ruled out, and D-Drive’s strongly worded statement suggests that the fallout may continue beyond this preseason window.
In the meantime, attention has turned to the remaining fixtures on Barcelona’s Asian tour namely the matches in South Korea. The club is still slated to face FC Seoul on Thursday, July 31, and Daegu FC on Monday, August 4. Both games are expected to draw large crowds, and South Korean fans remain hopeful that the club’s visit will proceed as planned. However, even these fixtures are now under scrutiny, as Barcelona is reportedly seeking firm and immediate financial guarantees from D-Drive and local stakeholders before confirming their travel plans.
As of now, the squad led by new head coach Hansi Flick remains in Spain, training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. A final decision on whether to board the flight to Seoul is expected within the next 48 hours. According to sources close to the club, Monday has been set as the provisional departure date, contingent on D-Drive fulfilling all outstanding obligations. Flick, who is overseeing his first preseason with the Catalan giants, is said to be eager for the tour to go ahead, viewing it as a vital opportunity to implement tactical systems, assess squad depth, and build chemistry with the players ahead of the new La Liga campaign.
Beyond the logistical and legal complications, the incident raises broader questions about the organization and planning of international preseason tours, especially in a summer where top European clubs are increasingly targeting Asian markets for commercial expansion. Barcelona, like many elite clubs, views these tours as essential not just for fitness and preparation but also for global brand building and fan engagement. The cancellation in Japan could be seen as a cautionary tale about the risks involved when relying on third-party promoters and local partners.
For the time being, fans in South Korea still have hope that they will see the Blaugrana stars in action. Should the tour proceed, matches against FC Seoul and Daegu FC will likely feature key figures such as Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha, alongside emerging talents from La Masia and new signings still to be integrated into the squad. It would also offer Hansi Flick his first live touchpoint with the international fanbase as he begins his tenure with the club.
Barcelona is expected to issue an official update soon regarding the remainder of the tour. In the meantime, supporters and media alike remain on alert, waiting to see whether this preseason trip will stabilize or unravel further.
Upcoming Fixtures (subject to confirmation):
Thursday, July 31 – FC Seoul vs Barcelona – 13:00
Monday, August 4 – Daegu FC vs Barcelona – 13:00
