Barca cancel friendly in Morocco after Ceuta border crisis

Barcelona has canceled a preseason friendly in Morocco due to the ongoing Ceuta border crisis. The Spanish champions were scheduled to play Ittihad Riadi Tangier in northwest Morocco on August 15 as part of their preparations for the upcoming season. Barcelona deemed playing the match inappropriate given the current uncertainty and circumstances, according to a statement released by the club.

The decision, while not explicitly detailed, is believed to be connected to the situation in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave bordering Morocco on the North African coast. Approximately 78,000 migrants crossed into Spain from Morocco by sea last week, leading to 100 deaths and straining relations among EU nations with open borders. While the majority of migrants have since returned to Morocco, between 3,000 and 5,000 remain in Ceuta.

Italy suspended its Schengen arrangement with Spain, alongside Finland and Denmark, with the Czech Republic calling for Spain's temporary membership suspension. Additionally, Barcelona's friendly with Preston North End was canceled following a pre-season training camp in the UK, where they played Birmingham City. The team is set to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday in Udine, Italy, and will host Egypt's Al Ahly on August 19. Barcelona's La Liga title defense against Elche kicks off on August 23.