Futbol Club Barcelona regrets that the partner operating the two Barҫa Academy schools in Australia, BCN SPORTS ANZ PTY LIMITED, and the five Barça Academy schools in Canada, BCN SPORTS SERVICES CANADA, has decided to close both Barҫa Academies in Brisbane and Sydney, and the academies in Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. FC Barcelona would like to clarify that it is BCN SPORTS ANZ PTY LIMITED and BCN SPORTS SERVICES CANADA that has filed for bankruptcy, resulting in the closure of the Academies.

As a local partner, BCN Sports acted as an intermediary with families whilst overseeing the operations and finances of the Barҫa Academy program in Australia and Canada. FC Barcelona has never directly handled the revenue from schools or camps, or any other activity related to Barҫa Academies. The Club hoped that the Barҫa Academies would remain open but due to ongoing management issues, exacerbated by the recent pandemic, BCN Sports was forced to close. BCN Sports failed to fulfil its obligations to the Club and FC Barcelona will, regrettably, pursue legal action to reclaim a substantial debt.

The Club’s main priority is to protect the interests of the boys and girls who form part of these Barҫa Academies and keep the schools open. Despite exploring options, including deferral of debts owed to FC Barcelona by BCN Sports, a solution could not be found. We are deeply saddened that the children will no longer be able to play at Barҫa Academies but are pleased that other academies in the Australian and Canadian football community are offering the opportunity to continue playing.

FC Barcelona wants to send a message of support to all the families affected and thank them for entrusting their children to Barҫa Academies. The Club stands by the families and will do everything possible to ensure BCN Sports reimburses the registration fees for cancelled activities.