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Leeds - Null Points


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The three man arbitration panel ('the panel') appointed by The Football Association in respect of the above mentioned appeal has rejected Leeds United's arguments that the 15 point deduction was unlawful.

 

In making the decision the panel took into account the detailed submissions made by both parties (Leeds United and the Football League). The panel were critical of the length of time taken by Leeds United in bringing this action to have the 15-point decision overturned. We feel this finding is unjust as the club sought to oppose the imposition of the penalty from the 30th August 2007 onwards.

 

We did accept the imposed condition of a 15-point penalty subject to an appeal to Member clubs. As at the 3rd August 2007 we had no option but to do so. If we had not the club would have been lost forever which was far too big a price for anyone to pay. It is galling therefore that we are criticised for the delay in bringing the appeal when it was delays by the Football League that effectively backed us into this corner in the first place. Any request by the club to alter the wording of the agreement by the Football League, as the Tribunal recognised, would have been rejected by the Board in any event so to reiterate, we had no option but to agree. It is both noticeable and significant that the panel saw fit to suggest that the Football League should look to incorporate into its Insolvency Policy clear guidelines, objectives and procedures going forward so as to make sure no other club has to be subjected to what we have had to endure if they are unable to secure the completion of a CVA.

 

The appeal to Member Clubs was imposed by the Football League. We have been critical of this throughout and felt justified therefore that the Tribunal felt it was unsatisfactory due to the level of vested interest in the appeal body. Leeds United will be proposing at the forthcoming Football League AGM, a change to the regulations to this effect to protect other clubs in the future.

 

If what football achieves out of this decision is clarity for clubs in the future (and there will undoubtedly be cases of insolvency again), 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 now return to the pitch. The decision to remain in League One was always correct from the club's perspective. 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.

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Appeal kicked out for 3 reasons:-

  1. Signed letter from a Leeds Director accepting the initial 15 point deduction
  2. The unfair impact at this stage of the Season on the other Clubs at the top of League 1
  3. Delay in taking action (appeal wasn't started until March 2008)
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Appeal kicked out for 3 reasons:-
  1. Signed letter from a Leeds Director accepting the initial 15 point deduction
  2. The unfair impact at this stage of the Season on the other Clubs at the top of League 1
  3. Delay in taking action (appeal wasn't started until March 2008)

 

Serves bates right for offering a lousy 8p in the pound for creditors, had his offer been more reasonable from the off, maybe he would not have riled the inland revenue

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As I expected....

 

Don't worry all...this ain't going to happen. Leeds signed a legal document saying they accepted the 15pt deduction.....I can't believe it's even going to Court. The judge will throw this out! And this 25-30% chance is, as always, Lawyers talking a good'un!

 

Obviously, that's best case scenario and I fully expect it. Worst case is 15pts returned. Middle ground is 5pts returned to them. That's the only other outcome I could see.....but I don't believe some rumour moungering that the FL offered that as a deal with the scum....the FL have fought this vehemently as much as the White:censored:e have and I believe it to be a rumour to the proportion of Ricketts headbutting Taylor!

 

I'm fairly confident Leeds will get nowhere with this. It's one thing to agree to the 15pt deduction. It's another to then sign a contract binding it and agreeing not to go to court. In law, the case for Duress is very complex but one thing is certain.....the grounds for Duress needs to be extremely solid for a judge to consider it. Leeds could say the start of the season was pending and they simply had to accept it or be thrown out of the league...the FL will argue that they knew the timescales and what regulations they had to meet (paying creditors etc) to get their golden share back, which they failed to do. They've not a leg to stand on IMO.

 

Now....what I want to see is Donny finishing 3rd, Leeds 6th and carnage at the Keepmoat! As Leeds get knocked out and go on the rampage......with any luck, it being the prelude to another 15pt deduction for next season :grin:

Edited by boundaryblue80
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That's justice. :)

Still think they'll win the playoffs.

Nah, justice would have been if their 10 point deduction for going into administration had counted this season, instead of after they were already relegated last term.

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