- Leeds are preparing for return to Premier League after last season’s promotion
- But supporters’ excitement is quelled by news they can’t follow team in Germany
- LISTEN: Will Liverpool sign Alexander Isak? Merseyside reporter Lewis Steele provides the latest on the potential transfer on Whistleblowers podcast
Leeds have apologised to fans for not being able to attend pre-season games in Germany ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Daniel Farke‘s squad are set for an eight-day training camp in the build-up to the new campaign.
While supporters will be able to watch other scheduled warm-up fixtures against Man United in Stockholm next month and also AC Milan in Dublin, after Villarreal come to Elland Road on August 2, no provisions have been possible for the Germany trip.
A club statement read: ‘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 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.
Leeds fans will be unable to watch their side play in Germany for the second successive year
Daniel Farke’s side pipped Burnley to win the Championship title on the final day of last season
Thousands lined the Leeds streets to celebrate the club’s return to the Premier League in May
‘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.’
The Leeds United Supporters Trust (LUST) said it would be contacting the German authorities to seek an explanation behind the decision.
‘For the second consecutive season, Leeds fans are being excluded from attending pre-season friendlies in Germany without any sensible explanation coming from authorities,’ a LUST statement read.
‘This is extremely disappointing, given that the excuse last year was around post-Euros policing, despite other British clubs being allowed fans in attendance in Germany.
‘We respect the club and Daniel Farke’s desire to keep a successful training camp in Germany, but would expect a valid reason from the authorities as to why once again Leeds fans are being unduly excluded.
‘LUST recognises the work by the club to secure high-profile friendlies in Scandinavia and Ireland, giving back to the loyalty of fans who we know regularly travel. The trust will reach out to the German authorities on behalf of our members and Leeds fans.’
Leeds — who won the Sky Bet Championship title on the final day of last season — begin their Premier League campaign at home to Everton on Monday, August 18.