Football Espana have revealed that Barcelona’s decision to play Tottenham Hotspur rather than Lazio in the Joan Gamper Trophy was made due to both political and economic considerations.
It has been announced that Tottenham will be Barca’s opponents in the La Liga club’s traditional season curtain-raiser at the Estadi Lluis Companys on August 8.
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Barcelona chose Spurs over Lazio for friendly
Football Espana explain that the Catalan giants were initially expected to play Lazio and that their talks with the Italian club over their participation in the friendly were at an ‘advanced stage’.
However, some Barca directors allegedly raised doubts about playing the Serie A side, citing their links to the far right in Italy and fascism.
After studying the situation, the compliance department at Camp Nou allegedly came to the conclusion that Lazio’s image was problematic and that a section of their fans did have links to fascistic political movements.
It is explained that the club thus decided to organise a match with Spurs instead, with Barcelona feeling that the game with the North London club would also bring in more attention and revenue.
Spurs Web Opinion
It is not ideal for Tottenham to be playing on August 8 just two days after their clash against Shakhtar and five days before the start of the new season.
Postecoglou would have no choice but to opt for a completely different starting eleven in the two matches against the Ukrainian side and the La Liga giants.
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