The Reasons Leeds Lost Arbitration
By Rich Baggott
May 1 2008
The reasons Leeds United lost their Arbitration appeal are beginning to emerge following confirmation of the decision that Leeds have lost their appeal against the 15 point deduction. The full report has not yet been seen by ourselves but the basis of the Panel decision seems to highlight three particular area's.
Firstly, the much talked about document that a Leeds Director signed prior to the start of the season accepting a place in League 1 with a 15 point deduction. Leeds Utd have argued that this was signed under duress but it would appear the panel did not agree.
Secondly, the time taken for Leeds Utd to start the Arbitration process which the final report should have starting within the first few months of the season. Leeds Utd first mentioned an appeal in August but the process was delayed after complying with the Leagues insistance to turn to a members vote. There were then further delays as Leeds turned to the FA before eventually going down the High Court route, which again, the Football League delayed untilt he last minute.
Finally, the impact on other teams at this late stage has been cited as a reason.
These findings are puzzling to say the least, but Leeds United have confirmed they will accept the findings and will turn their concentration to the pitch. It is interesting to note that the events that occured during the Adminstration process are not detailed down in summary, just the events after it! So who cheated the system here then?
Leeds can now focus attention on the pitch and will be strong favourites to be promoted, entering the play-off's as one of the form teams - and there will be no sweeter taste than being promoted WITH a 15 point deduction. Victory over Gillingham at the weekend could also see them as the mathematical Champions of the division if Swansea fail to win, meaning their glory this year wil always be tinged by the fact that Leeds were the real winners.
Cant wait till Saturday... lets lift the roof off
the panel agreed with all of our points yet still found against us!!
its been bull from start to finish!
surely if we waived the right to appeal, then the league is guilty of entrapment by offering arbitration!!
as for the other teams, there were no concerns about us when the other teams got to vote whther or not we were punished!
its been a farce of a season for the football league, bates is right, they should ALL resign!!
proud and tall in the goal mouth stands the viking,
and the eleven foes are never far away.
flasher lorimer, what a shot!
then to tie them in a knot, is eddie "the last waltz" gray!
