Barca cancel friendly in Morocco after Ceuta border crisis

Barcelona have cancelled a pre-season friendly in Morocco because of the ongoing border crisis in Ceuta.

The Spanish champions were set to face local side Ittihad Riadi Tangier in north-western Morocco on 15 August as part of their preparations for the new campaign.

“In light of the current uncertainty and circumstances, FC Barcelona considers playing the match would be inappropriate,” said the club in a statement.

While the club did not specify the reason for the cancellation, BBC Sport understands the decision is linked to the situation in Ceuta, the Spanish enclave that borders Morocco on the North African coast.

About 78,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish territory from Morocco by sea last week, resulting in 100 deaths and sparking tensions among EU nations who share open borders.

While a large majority of the migrants have since returned to Morocco, between 3,000 and 5,000 still remain in Ceuta.

Italy had suspended its Schengen arrangement with Spain, backed by Finland and Denmark, while the Czech Republic called for Spain’s membership to be temporarily suspended.

Barca also had a friendly with Preston North End cancelled after a pre-season training camp in the UK, where they played Birmingham City.

They are scheduled to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday in the Italian city of Udine and will also host Egypt’s Al Ahly on 19 August.

Hansi Flick’s side will begin their La Liga title defence against Elche on 23 August.

Watch: Migrants started to return to Morocco after thousands entered Spain’s Ceuta on 30 July