Leeds United have today released an update on their pre-season plans. The Championship title winners have confirmed they will travel to Germany next month for an eight-day training camp as part of their preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
But the German authorities, for the second year running, have once again refused to grant permission to let supporters attend the Whites' warm-up fixtures. United have offered an "unreserved" apology to fans and pointed the finger at police and local authorities for denying them match permits in the past week.
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 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."
United have so far arranged pre-season friendlies against Manchester United, Villareal CF and AC Milan. The club say tickets are still available for the three matches.
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