[LU] YP Appeal result: Leeds feel announcement is unjust

[John Boocock]

Appeal result: Leeds feel announcement is unjust

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/leeds/Appeal-result-Leeds-feel-announcement.4043812.jp

LEEDS United have said they feel they have been unjustly treated 
following the announcement that the three-man arbitration panel has 
upheld the decision to deduct the club 15 points.
A club statement read: "The three-man arbitration 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."