Al-Ahly Club announced a match against Barcelona officially within the Joan Gamper Cup.
And FilGoal.com revealed earlier that Al-Ahly is close to agreeing on a match against Barcelona. (See details)
In a statement on its official website, Al-Ahly announced a friendly match against Barcelona on August 19 next, within the 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Cup tournament.
Al-Ahly explained that the agreement came during a short visit to Spain made by a delegation from Al-Ahly Football Company, which included Ahmed Hossam Awad, a member of the club's and company's board of directors, and Naira Ali, the executive director of the company.
The Spanish newspaper Marca had previously revealed that Al-Ahly's participation comes as part of the agreement between the two clubs in the deal for Al-Ahly player Hamza Abdel Karim, who transferred to Barcelona.
Thus, Al-Ahly will be the first Arab team to participate in the Joan Gamper Cup since the introduction of the tournament's system since 1997.
Al-Ahly and Barcelona met friendly twice, the first in 2007 and ended with Barcelona winning 4-0 during the celebration of Al-Ahly's centenary.
While Al-Ahly lost 4-1 in another friendly held at Wembley Stadium in 2009.
Al-Ahly is preparing to hold its pre-season training camp in Spain on August 6 next.
