Leeds United have kickstarted their pre-season, with plans to step up preparation for the Championship campaign ahead.
The Whites have already faced off against Harrogate Town in their opening match, winning 3-0 at the aptly named Exercise Stadium.
With a first match under their belts, Leeds now fly out to Germany for their pre-season tour and some much-needed minutes in the tank.
The Elland Road faithful would usually travel land and sea to see their beloved side play, but this summer will be different.
Leeds won’t be able to play in front of a live crowd in Germany, with a lack of live streaming that has left the club “baffled”.
Why Leeds are forced to play pre-season games behind closed doors
Leeds United’s trip to Germany will see the side play behind closed doors, coming as a huge blow to the usual travelling supporters.
A statement from the official club website reads: “Leeds United can confirm the club will travel to Germany for a pre-season training camp ahead of the 2024/25 season.
“Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond control of the club, we have recently been informed that any friendly matches played in Germany have been ordered to take place behind closed doors.
“We understand that supporters will be frustrated at this news, as we are equally as a club. We have explored all avenues, however, it has not been possible to overturn this decision.
“As always, we would like to thank you for your commitment and dedication, but in light of the above, we kindly ask supporters expecting to see Leeds United in pre-season training or matches, not to travel to Germany.”
The reason for this is believed to be down to safety concerns, with chief police commissioner Pascal Pettinato from the State Office for Central Police Services telling the Yorkshire Evening Post: “As far as I know, these friendly matches take place at smaller sports facilities that do not fully meet the safety requirements.
“In order for the matches to take place at all, certain conditions must be met. These include the exclusion of the general public.
“This means that neither German nor English fans will be allowed to watch. If the other English clubs play at other sports facilities or perhaps even in the football stadiums, these venues can fulfil the security requirements.
“So it always depends on the individual case and has nothing to do with the club or the supporters of Leeds United.”
Can you live stream Leeds United’s pre-season fixtures?
While supporters will be able to watch Leeds United’s pre-season fixtures in Germany, they won’t be available for live stream.
Instead, the club will release delayed coverage of the match on LUTV, a move that has been forced upon them and has left them “baffled”.
A statement from Leeds on the official website reads: “Leeds United can confirm all supporters will be able to watch any fixtures played in Germany for free on LUTV, shortly after the full-time whistle.
“This decision comes after the club was baffled to be informed by German security authorities that a live stream or live updates are no longer permissible.
“Naturally the club are frustrated at this decision, compounded with the games already having to take place behind closed doors, without loyal supporters.
“The key objective for this training camp is to optimise the technical preparation for Daniel Farke and his squad ahead of the new campaign and everyone believes this will be achieved.
“Details of when the matches are available on demand, on LUTV, will be communicated via club social media channels.”
The date, time and opposition are yet to be revealed as supporters are left in the dark regarding their team’s pre-season preparations.
Which Leeds pre-season games can you watch?
Leeds fans were able to watch the friendly match with Harrogate Town, while the games in Germany will be streamed after they are played.
The only other in-person friendly that fans will be able to watch is the tie with Valencia at Elland Road on August 3rd.
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