FC Barcelona announced on Thursday that it will no longer participate in a scheduled friendly match in Tangiers. The club cited an climate of uncertainty, occurring just one week after a significant surge of migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish territory of Ceuta. The team stated that the current environment is unsuitable for the game, which had been set for August 15.
Official records from Spain indicate that 72,000 individuals arrived in the small enclave of 84,000 residents starting July 30. Tragic incidents occurred during the crossing as numerous people drowned while attempting to bypass maritime barriers. This event caused widespread alarm in Spain and created diplomatic friction within the European Union.
Observers suggest the influx was a strategic move by Morocco to pressure the Spanish government, potentially following Spain’s recent efforts to strengthen relations with Algeria. Morocco has long contested Spanish control over Ceuta and the Melilla exclave. Consequently, some Spanish political figures have demanded that Morocco be removed as a co-host for the 2030 World Cup, though FIFA maintains full authority over such decisions.
