Why Barcelona cancelled their match in Tangier without giving a clear reason

FC Barcelona have officially announced the cancellation of their friendly match scheduled for 15 August in Tangier, in a brief statement released by the Catalan club.

The statement read: "FC Barcelona informs that the men's first team friendly match in Tangier potentially scheduled for 15 August has been ruled out. In light of the current uncertainty and circumstances, FC Barcelona considers playing the match would be inappropriate," with the club offering no further detail on the nature of those "circumstances."

The decision comes as several international outlets have been following developments linked to the movement of migrants towards the city of Ceuta, a context several reports have connected to the club's decision, though FC Barcelona has not officially confirmed this.

The Catalan club forgoes an estimated €4.5 million fee it was due to receive for playing the match, marking the second friendly cancelled by the club this summer after its match against Preston North End in England was called off.

Barcelona continue their preseason preparations by hosting Al Ahly at Spotify Camp Nou, before opening their La Liga campaign against Elche on 23 August.