Overview

• Barcelona suspended its July 27 friendly against Vissel Kobe after the Japanese promoter failed to meet contractual payment obligations.
• South Korean promoter D-Drive affirmed that matches against FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4 will proceed as scheduled.
• D-Drive accused Japan’s Yasuda Group of forging documents and not paying match fees, and it plans to pursue legal action to recover damages.
• Reports indicate Rakuten, Vissel Kobe’s main sponsor, has stepped in to pay Barcelona’s fee demands, potentially paving the way to reinstate the Kobe fixture.
• The club continues its preseason preparations at Joan Gamper CT after signing Marcus Rashford on loan and awaits final confirmation of its Asian tour logistics.