Leeds Fans Denied Entry to Germany for Pre-Season Tour Again, Club Apologizes

Leeds United has issued an apology to its supporters after being barred from attending pre-season matches in Germany for the second consecutive year. The club had scheduled fixtures as part of their preparations for their upcoming return to the Premier League, including an eight-day training camp.

Although Leeds fans will be able to watch other warm-up games against Manchester United in Stockholm and AC Milan in Dublin, the German trip has been canceled. The club explained that arrangements with German authorities and the football association, secured months ago, were suddenly revoked at the last minute. Official sources cited resource constraints following Euro 2024 as reasons for denying permission to host matches with supporter attendance, live updates, or video streaming.

A club statement detailed the situation: “Despite months of planning and multiple assurances, the police and local authorities have again refused to permit spectator access, prohibit live coverage, and discouraged supporter travel. We explored alternative options, including relocating the camp on short notice, but all efforts proved unsuccessful due to the last-minute change in circumstances.”

Leeds supporters won’t be able to attend matches in Germany this year—a repeat of last season’s exclusion.

Daniel Farke’s team clinched the Championship title on the final day of the previous season.

The club expressed regret over the situation: “This outcome is deeply frustrating and disappointing for our supporters. We sincerely apologize for this failure to meet the expectations of our loyal fans.”

The Leeds United Supporters Trust announced it would contact German authorities to seek clarification. A statement from the trust criticized the continued exclusion, noting that other British clubs had been allowed to bring fans to Germany last year despite similar circumstances. The trust emphasized the club’s efforts to host high-profile friendlies and vowed to advocate on behalf of the supporters to resolve the issue.

Leeds’ Premier League season kicks off at home against Everton on August 18.