"The original plan was for the Blaugrana to face either Universitario de Deportes or the Peruvian national team. However, the date clashed with their final La Liga fixture before the winter break, set for December 20 against Villarreal. That match, initially intended to be played in Miami, still lacks an official venue. Logistical hurdles and player welfare were reportedly key in the club's decision."
"Even so, the idea of visiting Peru has not been abandoned entirely. Reports indicate there is interest in reviving the proposal for February or March 2026, during an international break, or at the end of that season if Barcelona do not reach the UEFA Champions League final. Organizers in Peru had previously offered a "difficult to refuse" fee of around €7-8 million, and Barcelona could strike that deal once a suitable date is confirmed."
"Club president Joan Laporta has also been looking for new opportunities to recover income lost after the cancellation of the planned Miami league game earlier this year. Another option remains on the table: a possible friendly in Casablanca, Morocco, before Christmas. This trip would be shorter and easier to manage, it has a possible logistical hurdle: the Africa Cup of Nations begins in Morocco on December 21."
Barcelona will not travel to Peru in December for the proposed friendly because the date conflicts with the final La Liga fixture on December 20 against Villarreal and would not allow the mandatory rest period under AFE rules. The original opponents were Universitario de Deportes or the Peruvian national team, and the Villarreal game still lacks an official venue. Peruvian organizers offered €7–8 million; the game could be deferred to February–March 2026 or to season end if Barcelona miss the Champions League final. Camp Nou renovations have reduced matchday revenue, so the club is seeking lucrative friendlies abroad; a Casablanca option faces an Africa Cup of Nations timing constraint.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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