Barça rule out Morocco friendly over safety concerns

FC Barcelona has pulled out of a planned friendly in Tangier, canceling its next men’s first-team match scheduled for August 15. The club cited “the current climate of uncertainty,” saying conditions are not in place. In its statement, Barça referred indirectly to the political tension between Spain and Morocco after the mass entry of Moroccan migrants into Ceuta. The friendly was intended as part of Barcelona’s summer preparation, and its cancellation means the team must revise its preseason schedule. Barça has not yet announced an alternative opponent or venue, and for now is only confirming the game is off.