Barcelona Set To Sue Roma Over Joan Gamper Trophy Withdrawal

Barcelona are considering suing Roma after the Italian club pulled out of a planned pre-season fixture at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona were due to face Roma for the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 6, with kick-off scheduled for 2100 local time.

However, the Catalan club have now confirmed that Jose Mourinho's Roma have withdrawn from the fixture.

Barcelona say they are now considering possible legal action against the Italian side for potential damages caused by the withdrawal.

"Barcelona announce that Roma have decided to unilaterally, without reason, withdraw from the agreed contract for both parties for the Joan Gamper Trophy game that was to be played on 6 August at Camp Nou in a fixture that was to see a men's and women's game once again," read a club statement, as reported by The Athletic.

"The club is working on a finding a new opponent for this year's edition.

"In the next 24 hours the return of money already spent on tickets will begin and the club wants to make it clear that the suspension of the games has been due to circumstances outside the control of Barcelona, the express wish of Roma.

Barcelona were due to host Roma at the Nou Camp on August 6 (Image: Alamy)

"The club's legal department is studying possible action against the Italian club for damages caused to Barcelona and its fans due to this unexpected and unjustified decision."

The Joan Gamper Trophy is named after a founding member, player and president of Barcelona.

The trophy was originally awarded to the winner of a four-team pre-season tournament, first hosted by Barcelona in 1966.

This changed to a one-off match contested between two teams in 1997.

Last season saw Barcelona beat Juventus 3-0 to claim the men's trophy.

Barcelona beat Juventus to win the Joan Gamper Trophy last year (Image: Alamy)

It was also the first year that a women's match was held, with Barcelona thrashing Juventus 6-0.

Roma previously took part in the Joan Gamper Trophy in 2015 when they lost 3-0 to Barcelona.

This year's match against Roma was set to be Barca's final pre-season fixture after games against Olot, Inter Miami, Real Madrid, Juventus and New York Red Bulls.

Xavi's side host Rayo Vallecano in their opening match of the new La Liga season on August 13.

Topics: Barcelona, AS Roma, Roma, Serie A, La Liga, Football

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan