FC Barcelona is in discussions to accept a significant offer to play a friendly match in Peru this December, following the cancellation of their previously scheduled match against Villarreal in Miami. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the potential fixture could yield between €7-8 million, which would provide essential financial support as the club continues its efforts to stabilize its revenue streams.
Originally, Barcelona was set to compete against Villarreal at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on December 20. However, the match was called off by event organizers, Relevent Sports, due to “uncertainty in Spain.” Both La Liga and Relevent cited insufficient preparation time and rising political instability as reasons for the cancellation, while Barcelona expressed disappointment, referring to it as a “missed commercial opportunity.”
Previously, the club turned down an offer to play in Libya, which could have brought in an additional €5 million, citing safety concerns as the primary reason for the decision. Now, the proposal to play in Peru is viewed as a promising alternative to recuperate the lost revenue, particularly in light of the financial blow from the Miami match cancellation.
This opportunity not only provides Barcelona a chance to bolster its finances but also to connect with fans in South America, where the club enjoys a substantial following. The potential friendly in Peru represents a strategic move to regain footing and enhance their international presence while navigating through challenging economic times.