German authorities explain supporter ruling for Leeds friendlies

BBC News

30-06-2025

German authorities have explained why Leeds United fans are unable to attend pre-season matches in the country.The Whites are set for an eight-day camp in the country this summer - mirroring their pre-season in 2024 - and for the second year in a row, the club has been informed fans should not travel for the friendly fixtures.The Leeds United Supporters Trust said the club had not received "any sensible explanation" but German Police have now said "security aspects" prevent them from green-lighting fan attendance.In a statement provided to BBC Radio Leeds, Pascal Pettinato of the German police said: "There is an agreement between the Central Information Office for Sports Operations (ZIS / also known as National Football Information Point) and the German Football Association (DFB) regarding international test matches. Every planned test match with international participation is checked for certain security aspects."These include, for example, that the venue must meet certain security-related requirements - such as the possibility of fan segregation - or that the local security authorities must not be required to request additional nationwide support forces."If even one of these security-relevant requirements is not met, such a test match can only be assessed negatively from a police perspective."To ensure that a match can still take place, the clubs have the option of excluding spectators from the event."At this point, I would also like to inform you that not every Leeds United match should have taken place without spectators. For example, there were initially plans to hold a match in Rostock where, as far as I know, spectators would have been allowed."At this point, I would also like to inform you that not every Leeds United match should have taken place without spectators. For example, there were initially plans to hold a match in Rostock where, as far as I know, spectators would have been allowed."