July 25 – The ‘Soccer Champions Tour’, which sees Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester United, Juventus and AC Milan play a series of pre-season fixtures from July 22 to August 2 starting on the west coast of the US, got off to a disastrous start with the first match being cancelled.
Barcelona were scheduled to play Juventus in Santa Clara, California, on Saturday but the game was called off just hours before kick-off after Barcelona players fell sick.
Barcelona issued a statement before the friendly scheduled to be played at Levi’s Stadium saying a “significant part of the (Barcelona) squad has a viral gastroenteritis.”
Barcelona have games against Arsenal in Los Angeles on Wednesday, against Real Madrid in Dallas on July 29, and against AC Milan in Las Vegas on August 1.
Soccer Champions Tour is the brainchild of a newly formed company created by global investment firm Sixth Street, with the aim “to support the continued global growth of top-tier sports franchises by organizing high-profile, competitive events for the millions of fans that live outside the domestic markets of the biggest clubs.”
Sixth Street’s ambition does not stop at a series of friendlies or with the men’s club game.
Alan Waxman, co-founder and CEO at Sixth Street, said: “While this year’s tour consists of men’s clubs, we look forward to expanding next summer to bring the world’s best women’s clubs to local audiences around the globe, and in the future to evolve this series into a format with real games of consequence.”
As well as running men’s and women’s competitive professional club matches, the aim is to expand into organising elite youth academy competitions.
It is unclear whether the Barca squad will be recovered enough to field a full team against Arsenal at the SoFi.
Soccer Champions Tour Schedule
Saturday, July 22
FC Barcelona vs. Juventus at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Sunday, July 23
Real Madrid vs. AC Milan at The Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA
Wednesday, July 26
Arsenal vs. FC Barcelona at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Wednesday, July 26
Real Madrid vs. Manchester United at NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
Thursday, July 27
Juventus vs. AC Milan at Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, CA
Saturday, July 29
FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
Tuesday, August 1
AC Milan vs. FC Barcelona at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Wednesday, August 2
Juventus vs. Real Madrid at Camping World Stadium, Orlando FL
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