The Korean airline helped me Cancellation of Barca match → Last minute success, back story revealed by owner Kobe
Jul 27, 2025
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Japanese soccer media Football Zone told a behind-the-scenes story of Kobe owner Mikitani running everywhere during the re-establishment of Barcelona-Vissel Kobe on the 27th. Barcelona announced on its official website on the 24th that 'We cancel the Japanese tour schedule for a serious breach of contract by the promoter' Barcelona and Kobe were scheduled to play at Noeveer Stadium on the 27th, but it seemed that they would immediately change their plans to play only FC Seoul and Daegu FC games for Korea. However, local media in Spain reported that Barcelona's official sponsor, Rakuten, would resume the Japanese tour schedule by paying 5 million euros (about 8.1 billion won), and Barcelona's team also announced the start of the Japanese tour on the 25th by posting a photo heading to Japan on an aircraft. Barcelona's 5 million euros was reportedly paid by Chairman Mikitani at his own expense.
Chairman Mikitani's role in the tour was absolute. The Football Zone said, "'President Mikitani contacted Gerard Piquet after the Barcelona announcement was made and contacted Alejandro Echeverria, the right-hand man of Chairman Joan Laporta.' Resolving contract violations and re-distributing flights to Japan by himself.' he said. Chairman Mikitani explained that `because there is a legal issue, it seems that the details need to be explained by an attorney'`````````````````````````````. Then, through his friend Tony Fernandez, chairman of Air Asia Group, he was also able to contact (Jo Won-tae), chairman of the Korean airline (Korean Air), where the Barcelona team was scheduled to be on board. I asked him to be able to board somehow, but he responded so flexibly." At the same time, it felt like "'Mission Impossible', but it worked out somehow" expressed a relieved feeling.
Barcelona participated in this tour with all of its main players, including Ramin Yamal and Roberto Lewandowski. After the match against Kobe, the Barcelona team will come to Seoul and play FC Seoul at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 31st. On the 4th, he will play his second match against Daegu FC at Daegu Stadium.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
