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Leeds United in Myanmar: Why are they going? Terror travel advice and latest updates
LEEDS UNITED have confirmed they will play two games in Myanmar next month, leaving fans with many questions over the decision.
Leeds United have confirmed plans for a Myanmar tour
Leeds United have not been far off controversy over the past two decades and the club appear to have made another bold decision today.
They have confirmed they will play two friendly matches in Myanmar on May 9 and May 11 - just days after their Championship season ends.
But the news has been met with scepticism from many Leeds fans and severe criticism from others.
Here’s what we know so far…
Why are Leeds United playing in Myanmar?
On Tuesday morning Leeds confirmed they will play two fixtures in Myanmar at the end of the season. One against a Myanmar ‘All Stars’ team and another against the national side.
Leeds managing director Angus Kinnear said: "Myanmar is one of the fastest growing nations in South East Asia and is passionate about English football.
Leeds United will play the Myanmar national team during their trip
This tour gives us an opportunity to meet new fans of football
“They have ambitious goals for grassroots and elite football development that we are delighted to be able to support.
“This tour gives us an opportunity to meet new fans of football who will hopefully support our journey back to the Premier League in the coming years."
Why have Leeds been criticised?
The announcement has proved controversial from the off.
There are various warnings from the Foreign Office regarding travel to the country, which has been embroiled in violent clashes and the government has been accused of ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in recent times.
The FCO say that in some areas: “Terrorists are likely to carry out attacks”.
?????? | More information on travelling to Myanmar will be released shortly and we advise supporters to wait for further advice
— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 24, 2018
What happens now?
Leeds have promised to publish further details of the proposed tour, with updates for fans wishing to travel to the games.
The Press Association have also contacted the club to push for more information.
Why Myanmar?
Many Premier League clubs jet off to foreign lands during the off-season to boost their brands across the world.
But Myanmar is a strange choice for a British football club.
Most clubs heading to Asia or South East Asia likely take in visits to more ‘stable’ countries such as China, Malaysia and Singapore.
Myanmar, with 53m inhabitants, is seen as having large growth potential for new fans but is steeped in controversy.
Thousands of Rohingya have been misplaced in the country
Another Leeds United PR hiccup?
Leeds United are never too far away from a public relations blunder.
The club, which since 2004 and has been competing in the second and third tiers of English football, is yet to recover from the financial implosion that almost saw it go under 15 years ago.
Through administration, Ken Bates' ownership, League One, the sale of Elland Road, Massimo Cellino and, most recently, a botched logo rebranding exercise, Leeds fans have seen it all.
In this context a tour of Myanmar doesn’t seem quite so out of the ordinary.