Barcelona released a terse statement threatening legal action for damages after Roma ‘unilaterally and without reason’ withdrew from the Gamper Trophy match.
The friendly is traditionally the season opener at Camp Nou and the Giallorossi had been invited to participate in this year’s edition of the long-running fixture on August 6.
It would also have seen a match between the Barcelona and Roma women’s teams.
Roma released a statement insisting they had made the decision to withdraw “as a consequence of the need to modify the plan for summer friendly matches, in light of the principal objective of ensuring the best possible preparations and working conditions ahead of the 2022-23 season.”
This apparently did not satisfy Barcelona, who released their own statement using a surprisingly irritated and aggressive tone that even went so far as to threaten legal action against the Serie A side.
“FC Barcelona announce that AS Roma have decided to unilaterally, without reason, withdraw from the agreed contract for both parties for the Joan Gamper Trophy game that was to be played on 6 August at Camp Nou in a fixture that was to see a men’s and women’s game once again.
“The Club is working on a finding a new opponents for this year’s edition.
“In the next 24 hours the return of money already spent on tickets will begin and the Club wants to make it clear that the suspension of the games has been due to circumstances outside the control of FC Barcelona, the express wish of AS Roma.
“The Club’s Legal department is studying possible action against the Italian club for damages caused to FC Barcelona and its fans due to this unexpected and unjustified decision.”
Roma had only accepted the invitation to take part in the Gamper Trophy match on June 15, so it’s not clear what could’ve caused such a rapid about-turn.
Jose Mourinho wants his men to focus on starting the season strong, especially after the release of the Serie A fixture list for the 2022-23 campaign.
AS Roma unilaterally rescinds contract to play in Gamper
🔗 https://t.co/lYsVEETF8Y pic.twitter.com/fkuTure4Nw
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 27, 2022
Barca and madrid are really quick to sue these days
Guess they need the money lol
Barca a sinking ship