In an official statement, Barcelona has announced new arrangements for the Joan Gamper Trophy match after AS Roma and Milan pulled out of the traditional pre-season friendly. Barca confirmed that they will face their Mexican counterpart Pumas in the Juan Gamper Cup, where it will play a match for the men's team and another for the women for the second time in the history of the tournament. Xavi’s side will now take on Mexican side Pumas on 7 August at the Camp Nou, while Barca Femeni will face French side Montpellier on 23 August at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. The men’s match comes before Barca starts their new league season against Rayo Vallecano, but Pumas have already been in action and maybe a bit sharper. The Mexicans began preseason back at the end of May and kicked off the Apertura league calendar with a 1-1 draw against Xolos de Tijuana on 3 July.
Barcelona is preparing to take legal action against Roma and to obtain compensation for the damages caused by its sudden decision to withdraw.