Leeds United expect Elland Road to be at 25 per cent capacity with ballot to give season ticket holders access to games

Leeds United expect Elland Road to be limited to around 25 per cent of its capacity when fans are allowed back into Premier League grounds, according to the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust.
FULL HOUSE - Patrick Bamford could be celebrating in front of a quarter-full Elland Road next season when Leeds United take their place in the Premier LeagueFULL HOUSE - Patrick Bamford could be celebrating in front of a quarter-full Elland Road next season when Leeds United take their place in the Premier League
FULL HOUSE - Patrick Bamford could be celebrating in front of a quarter-full Elland Road next season when Leeds United take their place in the Premier League

The Trust met with the club's chief executive Angus Kinnear this week to discuss issues around ticketing, refunds and vouchers and also focused on how access to grounds will be decided when games no longer have to be played behind closed doors.

In an email sent to members, Trust vice chairman Graham Hyde said conversations at Premier League and governmental level are still taking place and Leeds will meet with the EPL next week to find out details on supporters returning to stadia.

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The current expectation is that the ground will be approximately one quarter full and that each season ticket holder could gain entry to four 2020/21 league games, with a ballot system in place.

"Probably one of the most important questions we are being asked is around access to the stadium to watch games again," wrote Hyde.

"Whilst discussions are continuing at League (that’s the Premier League now remember) and Government levels, the club expect the limit to be approximately 25 per cent of capacity for the entire season.

"This means that should they use a balloting system as planned (although not confirmed) season ticket holders will be granted access to one in every four games. Additional aspects such as categorising games are being considered and the Trust is helping refine these decisions to achieve the best outcome for all concerned.

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"Ultimately given the timings involved, each season ticket holder may get access to four games next season."

Unless Premier League rules dictate otherwise, Leeds United members are not expected to be considered for ballots.

Hyde continued: "At this stage members would not be considered for ballots unless the club are obliged to do so by EPL regulations. The club are attending a meeting with the EPL next week, at which that will be established.

"Future refunds due are likely to be offered as a direct rebate on the 2021/22 season ticket renewal but further discussions are needed once we understand the ever-changing landscape on this. Whilst it is unlikely that away fans will be permitted at games next season, the club have confirmed that all loyalty already accrued will be carried forward and that away season tickets as a concept will remain, although the club are considering the possibility of away season ticket holders having to apply on a match-by-match basis to take up their ticket. No formal decision has been made on this at present.

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"The Trust will continue to support the full return to stadia for fans as soon as it is safe to do so."

Speaking to the YEP, Hyde said the club are waiting to discover if the Premier League rules around the number of tickets that must be made available for sale outside of season ticket holders would remain in place.

"Angus was saying they've got a meeting with the EPL at which point there are a number of things that need confirming," he said.

"The rules say there has to be a minimum of 20 per cent available to casual purchases rather than just season tickets. They don't know at this stage if the EPL are going to apply that in the restricted environment. If they got told by the EPL 20 per cent still has to be available, they'd have to run a separate ballot.

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"We all want to be in the ground watching the games. The challenge is that we can't set legislation, the club have to go by what they're told and it's just about it being as fair as it possibly can, with the club keeping people updated on how it's going to work."

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