According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona's away match against Galatasaray in Istanbul attracted a large number of Barcelona fans from Iraq. Barcelona fan clubs in Iraq collectively requested 120 tickets for the Champions League fixture.

Barcelona fans know no borders. Barcelona played away against Galatasaray in Istanbul on Tuesday in a Champions League match that drew many Iraqi Barcelona supporters. Members of these fan clubs collectively requested 120 tickets, taking advantage of the short 2-hour-45-minute flight and the ease of entry into Turkey—a stark contrast to the difficulties of traveling from Iraq to Spain.

There are currently seven Barcelona fan clubs in Iraq. In 2023, the Barcelona fan clubs of Karbala and Kirkuk joined the Barcelona family, adding to existing clubs in Baghdad, Basra, Salah al-Din, Mosul, and Babylon.

Iraqi citizens under 15 and over 50 can enter Turkey visa-free, while those between 15 and 50 years old can obtain an e-visa if they hold a valid visa or residence permit from the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, or any Schengen country. Otherwise, they can apply for a visa at one of many authorized centers in Iraq.

In contrast, traveling to Barcelona to watch a match at Camp Nou is not only more expensive and involves a longer journey, but all Iraqi citizens also require a Schengen visa. The Spanish embassy in Baghdad requires extensive documentation, including strict proof of funds, travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, proof of employment, and confirmed flight and hotel bookings. Even if a visa is granted, Spanish border authorities conduct thorough checks, and entry may be denied if travelers cannot adequately justify their purpose of travel upon arrival.

Last January, during the Spanish Super Cup held in Saudi Arabia, representatives from the Baghdad and Basra Barcelona fan clubs attended the official reception for Asian Barcelona fan clubs. President Joan Laporta chaired the meeting, accompanied by Vice President of Sports Rafael Yuste, Vice President of Social Affairs Antoni Escudero, directors Joan Soler, Miquel Camps, and Xavi Barbany, as well as President's Office member Enric Masip. Lewandowski also joined the gathering for a group photo.

Iraqi Barcelona fans will reunite in February when the Spanish Super Cup is held in Istanbul. Barcelona will play their semi-final match against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, February 2, at 8 PM CET, at Fenerbahçe Stadium. The final will be held on Saturday, February 6, at 8 PM CET, at Galatasaray's Ali Sami Yen Stadium, against either Real Madrid or Real Sociedad.

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