Barcelona Reacts Swiftly, Cancels Morocco Friendly for Switzerland Fixture
Barcelona has swiftly responded to the decision to cancel their pre-season friendly against Ittihad Tanger, already securing an alternative match. According to Mundo Deportivo, the club, commonly known as the Blaugrana, is in the final stages of arranging a friendly against FC Basel in Switzerland on August 16.
Negotiations between the two teams are well underway, with the match anticipated to take the place of the previously scheduled fixture in Tangier on August 15. The team aims to provide Hansi Flick’s side with another competitive test ahead of the upcoming season.
Basel Offer Another Strong Pre-Season Test
FC Basel is recognized as one of the most successful clubs in Swiss football, playing their home games at St. Jakob-Park. Currently managed by former Juventus and Arsenal defender Stephan Lichtsteiner, who assumed the role in January 2026, Basel also boasts notable players such as Xherdan Shaqiri, Albian Ajeti, Marwin Hitz, and Benie Traore.
For Barcelona, this match presents a vital opportunity to continue building fitness and rhythm before the competitive campaign kicks off.
Why Barcelona Cancelled the Morocco Trip
Barcelona decided to cancel the planned friendly in Tangier after determining that the circumstances were no longer suitable for travel. The recent migration crisis in Ceuta, along with concerns over a potential large-scale mobilization being organized via social media, contributed to the club’s decision, as it deemed the situation inappropriate for their delegation.
Safety Comes Before Financial Considerations
By opting out of the fixture in Tangier, Barcelona forfeits an estimated €4.5 million appearance fee. Nevertheless, the club prioritized the safety of players, staff, and traveling members over financial gain. Although the match against Basel is likely to yield a smaller revenue, Barcelona views the decision to replace the Morocco trip with a friendly in Switzerland as the most practical choice as they finalize their preparations for the new season.
Barcelona have reacted quickly after cancelling their planned pre-season friendly against Ittihad Tanger, and already have an alternative lined up.
Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana are in the final stages of arranging a friendly against FC Basel in Switzerland on August 16.
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Negotiations between the two clubs are already at an advanced stage, with the match expected to replace the fixture that had been scheduled to take place in Tangier on August 15.
The aim is to ensure Hansi Flick’s side still gets another competitive test before the start of the new season.
Basel offer another strong pre-season test
FC Basel are one of the most successful and historic clubs in Swiss football and play their home matches at St. Jakob-Park.
FC Basel manager Stephan Lichtsteiner. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
The team is currently managed by former Juventus and Arsenal defender Stephan Lichtsteiner, who took charge in January 2026.
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Among the club’s most recognisable players are Xherdan Shaqiri, one of the biggest names in Swiss football, alongside Albian Ajeti, Marwin Hitz and Benie Traore.
For Barcelona, the fixture would provide another valuable opportunity to continue building fitness and rhythm ahead of the competitive campaign.
Why Barcelona cancelled the Morocco trip
The decision to abandon the proposed friendly in Tangier was ultimately taken after the club concluded that the circumstances were no longer suitable.
Barcelona cancelled their trip to Morocco. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Barcelona felt the recent migration crisis in Ceuta, together with the possibility of another large-scale mobilisation being organised through social media for the same date, created an environment in which travelling to Morocco was no longer appropriate.
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The Blaugrana, therefore, opted not to proceed with the match despite the advanced planning.
Safety comes before financial considerations
By cancelling the Tangier fixture, Barcelona will miss out on an appearance fee worth around €4.5 million.
Even so, the club considered the safety of the players, coaching staff and travelling delegation to be the overriding priority.
The friendly against Basel is expected to generate a smaller financial return, but Barcelona believe replacing the Morocco trip with a match in Switzerland is the most sensible solution as preparations for the new season enter their final phase.
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