Full Breakdown
Helicopter Landings Force Cancellation of Brighton’s French Pre-Season Camp
7/24/2026, 8:08:40 PM
Helicopter Landings Disrupt Training Plans
Brighton & Hove Albion’s pre-season camp in Evian-les-Bains was abandoned after the pitches slated for use were converted into helicopter landing zones for the recent G7 summit. The squad, led by manager Fabian Hurzeler, had been scheduled to stay at the Hotel Royal Resort from July 23 through August 1. An advance staff team reported the fields were unusable, prompting the club to cancel the friendly against Ligue 2 side Annecy and relocate the camp to Austria.
G7 Summit Activities in Evian-les-Bains
In June, the G7 summit brought U.S. President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and other heads of state to the spa town. Helicopters landed on the very training grounds Brighton intended to use, turning the area into a temporary air-traffic hub while leaders discussed artificial-intelligence regulation, climate change and economic security.
Club Response and Revised Schedule
Club officials, including sporting director Mike Cave, Gary Walker and Emily Keeley, were credited with swiftly implementing a contingency plan. After the cancellation, Brighton arranged an alternative base in Austria, kept the second friendly against Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on August 1, and scheduled an in-house closed-door match later in the month. The team returned to its Lancing headquarters for training before departing for Austria later in the month. The club’s source, who requested anonymity, said the disruption would have “minimal impact” on preparations.
Implications for the Upcoming Season
Brighton’s pre-season itinerary now includes home friendlies against Serie A clubs Roma on August 8 and Bologna on August 15, followed by the first leg of the Europa Conference League play-offs on August 20 (opponent to be decided after the August 3 draw). The Premier League opener against Aston Villa is set for August 23, with the second leg of the play-offs on August 27 and a league match versus Chelsea on August 30. Despite the logistical setback, club officials maintain that the revised schedule preserves the team’s readiness for the 2025-26 campaign.
