Leeds Points Appeal Ends in Failure
By Deadly Submarine
May 1 2008
Leeds United's appeal against their fifteen point deduction has today failed to see any of their points returned meaning that the final weekend of League One action will finally have some sense of normality about it after a number of weeks of uncertainty.
With just two days to go until the final round of League One matches this season, the Division can finally get back to normality after Leeds failed in their appeal against the fifteen point deduction they received at the start of the season for a ‘breach of rules' relating to their time in Administration.
Any return of their points would have thrown the final weekend of the League season into mayhem with Swansea City, crowned Champions two weeks ago then unable to take the title until after the final game of the season if they were to win their game.
A full refund of points would also have robbed Doncaster of the second automatic promotion place which can still also be achieved by Nottingham Forest and Carlisle United on the final day.
This decision now means that Forest, Carlisle and Doncaster can fight as before for the final automatic spot whilst the four play-off places which were already safe are now unaffected.
Leeds Chairman Ken Bates (left) and Manager Gary McAllister
Leeds had ten points deducted at the end of last season for entering Administration but the appeal that today failed was against the additional fifteen points they had deducted at the start of this season.
A statement on the Leeds United Official Website tonight says...........
"If what football achieves out of this is clarity for clubs in the future then that can mitigate some of our disappointment as we want all clubs to survive through what are very difficult times."
"The matter is now closed and the focus can return to the pitch. If the team are now able to progress through the play-offs to the Championship then it would be the appropriate reward for the efforts of the club's fans and players in overcoming the penalty imposed on the club."
Why not discuss the outcome of the Leeds Appeal and the effect it now has on the final weekend in League One on our Message Board?
If they don't go up via the playoffs they will surley win automatic promotion next season.
Though in principle i am glad they have lost out on the points, in practice its one less promotion place for next season.
sad times
Now they haven't I suppose it's all worked out well (except for Leeds).
Hopefully Forest will take the second automatic spot tomorrow and Leeds will win the play-offs thus removing both of them for next season!
Fingers Crossed!