Barcelona’s trip to Japan postponed until tomorrow amid payment delays and airline issues | OneFootball

Barcelona stepped away from their usual tradition of hosting pre-season in the United States and shifted their base to Asia this time around. Their experience, however, has not been one to remember so far.

After beginning their pre-season as per schedule and having their tickets booked to Japan, the club were forced to cancel their trip in the last minute after they failed to receive the stipulated payment from the organisers for the tour.

The development brought Barcelona’s pre-season schedule to a screeching halt and meant that they would skip the Japan leg and travel directly to their games in South Korea.

In fact, the club even began searching for alternative local opponents until word came out that Rakuten, their former sponsors, were willing to take the onus and make the payment.

Still no clarity

As relayed by SPORT, there is still a standoff between Barcelona and Rakuten, causing the delays in a final decision.

Barcelona have received only €10 million as a payment so far, that too corresponds to the games scheduled in South Korea. The €5 million stipulated for the Vissel Kobe game, however, is yet to be processed.

Japan trip filled with drama. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Rakuten promise to deliver that payment because their reputation is on the line. However, they demand that the team board the flight and leave for Japan before processing the payment.

Joan Laporta and Co. do not retain faith in Rakuten and demand that the payment be made before they board the plane.

Airline issues delay the trip

Building on that, Victor Navarro now reports that the trip to Japan has been postponed at least until tomorrow due to issues with the airline.

The journalist states that Rakuten have covered the unpaid €5 million sum mentioned above, but flight logistics have now caused delays and postponement at least until Friday.

The players, for their part, are understood to be packed and ready to fly, and are waiting for instructions from the club.