Chapecoense accept Barcelona's invite to play them in pre- season friendly Chapecoense president Ivan Tozzo has accepted Barcelona’s invitation to play in the Joan Gamper Trophy next summer. Barcelona sent a formal invite to the Brazilian club on Thursday morning. The club released a statement about it later that day. The gesture has been applauded by fans of both clubs and football in general. It comes in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash that killed 19 members of their first-team squad and 76 people in total in Colombia on November 28. The club was flying to contest the Copa Sudamericana final. They have since been awarded the title after their opponents Atletico Nacional graciously forfeited the game as a mark of respect. Now the two stars above their club badge represent the events of recent weeks. Barcelona’s letter may have outlined what initiatives they’re planning to help Chapecoense rebuild and recover. For now, the club told fans it will reveal such initiatives closer to the date. The competition takes place in the summer. Share 0