Cancellation of the trip to Japan → participation in Rakuten → dramatic reversal..D-Drive Barcelona squad to announce flight ticketed tour squad for Kobe this afternoon soon
Jul 25, 2025
|
|
Barcelona's Asian tour and Japan's Vissel Kobe friendly match are expected to take place as scheduled.
D-Drive, which was in charge of Japan and Korea tour promoters, said on the 25th that it has decided to push ahead with Japan's Kobe schedule, which was canceled once again by FC Barcelona, a prestigious Spanish soccer club. 'The dramatic transition was made possible by Rakuten, Japan's main sponsor, paying outstanding costs, and the all-round assistance of promoter D-Drive, which led to cooperation with various partners, played a key role in the process.'
On the 23rd, Barcelona officially announced the complete cancellation of Japan's Kobe schedule. Suspicions have been raised that Yasuda Group, a co-promoter of the Japanese side, failed to comply with its contractual obligations and unpaid charges. D-Drive said 'Since then, officials from Japan and South Korea have worked closely with partners across Asia to solve the problem, and Rakuten has finally paid the club to face a dramatic turning point.' 'In particular, to resolve the situation, not only Rakuten in Japan, but also BBQ, a sponsor and investment company, and Namhae Construction Co., along with the host company of South Korea, the de facto center of Barcelona's Asian tour, have launched all-out support,' he added. 'This decision, made in collaboration with stakeholders across Asia, is seen as a symbolic example of cooperation and responsibility in the operation of global sports events beyond just the resumption of competition.'
FC Barcelona's squad is expected to board a flight to Japan on the afternoon of the 25th as the charge issue has been resolved and a dramatic agreement has been reached. "I salute Rakuten's bravery in making a responsible decision for the club and its fans. Preparations for friendly matches in Seoul and Daegu are currently underway without any problems, and various side events for meeting with Korean fans are also planned to be faithfully operated as scheduled," said Ham Seul D-Drive CEO.
Meanwhile, local media in Spain's Mundo Deportiv reported that `Barcelona's visit to Japan for the start of the pre-season tour is becoming clear' and that `the flight to Japan is scheduled to depart on Friday morning, not on Thursday local time, due to logistical problems, while Rakuten has decided to pay 5 million euros to the club.' Barcelona has not yet released any official in this regard. Mundo Deportiv said under the title of `Chaos of the Japan Tour' Barcelona announced on Wednesday the cancellation of the Vissel Kobe Tour, the first part of the Asian Tour, citing the initial breach of contract by friendly organizers, which reverberated within Japan and played a key role in the main sponsor Rakuten completing the outstanding payments' The club has yet to make an official announcement and the team is awaiting final news. Within hours, Flick will confirm the roster for the Asian tour,' he reported
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
