- Promoter blames Yasuda Group for fraud
- Barcelona call off Kobe fixture
- Legal action planned over forged paperwork
AFP'Invalid and falsified documents' behind Barcelona's cancelled friendly in Japan as promoter blames La Liga rivals' sponsor and says club 'correct' to back out
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Getty Images SportWHAT D-DRIVE SAID
In a detailed statement to international media, CEO Seul Ham placed the blame squarely on the Yasuda Group, saying: "The recently cancelled match between Vissel Kobe and FC Barcelona was originally proposed by the Yasuda Group, Real Sociedad's main sponsor, and was to be co-hosted locally in Japan.
"D-DRIVE was scheduled to receive full payment for the match today; however, the funds ultimately failed to arrive. Instead, the Yasuda Group has repeatedly provided invalid and falsified documents, deceiving us by falsely claiming that the payment had already been transferred to Korea. We have obtained an audio recording from a Yasuda Group employee stating that their CEO ultimately did not send the money, clearly confirming intentional fraud.
"As a result of this fraudulent conduct, Rakuten's public image has suffered significant damage. In light of these events, FC Barcelona made the correct and responsible decision to cancel the match in Japan. We will take legal action against the responsible Japanese entities to recover damages.
"Unlike in Japan, in Korea, the promoter has fully prepared the matches and covered all related costs. As of today, only flight expenses remain outstanding. To our fans in Korea: please rest assured. D-DRIVE remains fully committed to making the remainder of the tour a success. We will do everything possible to deliver unforgettable matches."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
The South Korean leg of the tour, including friendlies against Seoul on July 31 and Daegu on August 4, is now under review. The Catalan side have not ruled out continuing the trip but will reassess based on the Korean promoter’s reliability.
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