Leeds United have issued an unreserved apology to fans after being told by German authorities that supporters will not be permitted to attend their pre-season friendlies in the country. Despite months of planning and written assurances from organisers, local police denied permits, leaving fans and the club frustrated just weeks before the Premier League restart.
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Leeds fans banned from attending Germany pre-season friendliesClub apologises after late U-turn by local German authoritiesSupporters can attend Stockholm, Dublin and Elland Road friendliesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Leeds arranged an eight-day pre-season camp in Germany ahead of their return to the Premier League. The club believed fans could attend and received written assurances from the German FA and tour partners. However, just a week before the tour, local authorities denied permits for public attendance, live updates, or streams, citing logistical issues post-Euro 2024. Leeds have now released an apology to their fans and told them not to travel to Germany.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT LEEDS' STATEMENT READ
On Friday morning, Leeds released a statement, which read: "Leeds United will travel to Germany in pre-season as part of preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 Premier League season, after the technical success of the camp last year helped us win the Sky Bet Championship title.
"Opponents and venues for fixtures were arranged earlier this year, and written assurances secured from both the German FA and our tour operator as well, given last summer we were asked at short notice by the police and local authorities not to bring supporters due to a resource strain following UEFA Euro 2024.
"Frustratingly, despite having matches agreed for a number of months, we have in the last week been informed that the police and local authorities will once again not grant a permit for us to play matches in front of spectators, will prohibit us from providing live updates and video streams, and have requested we discourage supporter travel.
"This comes despite multiple attempts to find a solution including offering various assurances, pursuing alternative scenarios that would allow for fan attendance, and even evaluating moving camp to a different location on short notice. Unfortunately, those efforts were fruitless due to the last second nature of our change in circumstances.
"This result is deeply frustrating to all of us, just as it is sure to frustrate and anger you, our loyal supporters, to whom we apologise unreservedly for this outcome.
"We remain excited about our summer friendlies against Manchester United, Villarreal CF, and AC Milan, with tickets available for all three matches, and the opportunity for supporters to travel with the team to Sweden and Ireland.
"Ticket information for our friendly against Villarreal will be released in due course."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
This marks a second straight summer in which Leeds fans have been shut out of pre-season fixtures in Germany. Leeds attempted to explore alternatives, including relocating the camp, but were unable to secure a solution in time. The Leeds United Supporters Trust criticised the decision per the BBC, and is seeking formal clarification from the German authorities.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LEEDS?
The fans of the Premier League side can still attend three other friendlies: against Manchester United in Stockholm, AC Milan in Dublin, and Villarreal at Elland Road on August 2. Leeds will look to make the most of the closed training camp and focus on preparations before they kick off the 2025/26 Premier League season at home to Everton on August 18.
