Barcelona have cancelled their Japan friendly against Vissel Kobe amid a fraud scandal tied to Real Sociedad sponsor Yasuda Group. Allegations of forged documents and unpaid fees led tour promoter D-DRIVE to support the club’s withdrawal, calling it the “responsible decision.” Legal action is now in motion, and Barca’s upcoming matches in South Korea remain under review.
Barcelona have abruptly cancelled their highly anticipated preseason friendly against Vissel Kobe in Japan following explosive claims of fraud involving the event’s local promoter and a La Liga-linked sponsor. The club cited a “serious breach of contract” as the reason for pulling out just hours before departure—and the fallout could have far-reaching implications.
Promoter Exposes Alleged Forgery Behind the Scenes
The shock cancellation stems from accusations made by D-DRIVE, the South Korean company organising the Asia tour. In a blistering statement, CEO Seul Ham pointed the finger at the Yasuda Group—Real Sociedad’s main sponsor—accusing the Japanese conglomerate of falsifying financial documents and misleading both Barcelona and D-DRIVE over payment transfers.
According to Ham, the Yasuda Group failed to make promised payments for the fixture and provided invalid banking documents, claiming the funds had been sent when they hadn’t. An audio recording allegedly confirms the fraudulent activity, with a Yasuda employee admitting their CEO deliberately withheld the payment.
Barcelona Pull the Plug—and Backed by Promoter
Faced with what appears to be intentional financial deception, Barcelona made the decision to cancel the Vissel Kobe game—a move D-DRIVE described as “correct and responsible.” The promoter now plans legal action against the Japanese parties involved for reputational and financial damages, stating that even local giant Rakuten (Vissel Kobe’s owner and Barca’s former shirt sponsor) has suffered public fallout.
Korean Leg Still Intact—for Now
While the Japan leg is off, Barcelona’s scheduled friendlies in South Korea—against Seoul (July 31) and Daegu (August 4)—are still on, pending final internal review. D-DRIVE has assured fans in Korea that all logistics and payments for the Korean matches are fully in place, with only minor expenses outstanding.
For Barcelona, whose financial situation remains precarious, the tour is not just about preparation under new head coach Hansi Flick, but also a vital revenue stream. Losing a high-profile match in Japan could dent both income and brand image, especially in a key commercial market.
Broader Implications for La Liga?
The scandal could also cause headaches for La Liga. The involvement of Real Sociedad’s main sponsor in alleged fraudulent behaviour may spark scrutiny over the league’s commercial partnerships, particularly in Asia, where expansion is a key objective. If legal action moves forward, more revelations could follow.
