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SportsG7 summit helicopters damage soccer pitches, forcing Brighton to relocate pre-season camp
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Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion was forced to relocate its pre-season training camp from Evian-les-Bains, France, to Austria after soccer pitches were damaged by helicopters used by world leaders attending the 52nd G7 Summit in June 2026. Among the leaders who landed on the fields were former U.S. President Donald Trump, former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The turf did not recover in time for Brighton's scheduled use. The club reviewed the pitches and decided to move their European camp to Austria. Brighton's 2026/27 Premier League season begins on August 23 against Aston Villa.
Source report
An English Premier League side had to change its pre-season plans due to damage caused by Donald Trump and other world leaders.
With the 2026 World Cup now concluded, attention has returned to club football. The MLS campaign is already underway, and leagues across Europe are set to begin in August. Most teams are currently in the middle of pre-season tours — but Brighton and Hove Albion were forced to adjust their itinerary after soccer pitches were damaged earlier this summer.
Helicopter Landings at G7 Summit Ruin Turf
The 52nd G7 Summit took place from June 15 to June 17 in Évian-les-Bains, a commune in Eastern France. Among the leaders in attendance were former U.S. President Donald Trump, former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Upon arrival, several leaders used local soccer fields as landing zones for their helicopters. The landings caused significant damage to the pitches, and the turf did not recover in time for Brighton's scheduled use.
A Brighton delegation recently inspected the pitch conditions but was dissatisfied with what they found. As a result, the club has altered its trip to France.
Brighton Moves Camp to Austria
Instead of training in France, the Premier League club has relocated its European pre-season camp to Austria, according to The Mirror.
Donald Trump and other major leaders damaged French soccer fields with helicopters when attending the G7 Summit, forcing Premier League club Brighton to cancel a preseason visit. — Mirror US Sports (@MirrorUSSports) July 27, 2026
The disruption is far from ideal for Brighton as they prepare for the 2026/27 campaign, which kicks off later in August.
Season Opener on the Horizon
Brighton will begin their proper season on August 23 with a home match against Aston Villa. The Seagulls will aim to build on their eighth-place finish from last season.
This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.
Source
Yardbarker: SoccerWestern
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Donald Trump and G7 leaders damage soccer fields with helicopters, forcing Brighton to change pre-season plans