Barcelona have cancelled a planned pre-season friendly against Ittihad Riadi Tangier in Morocco, citing uncertainty amid the Ceuta border crisis. The decision highlights how the humanitarian and political tensions surrounding the Spanish enclave are affecting sporting events and preparations for the new football season.

Around 78,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta by sea last week, with 100 deaths reported; between 3,000 and 5,000 people are still there. Barcelona had been due to play on 15 August, will face Nottingham Forest in Udine on Saturday and begin their La Liga title defence against Elche on 23 August.