LEEDS WAIT ON POINTS VERDICT
Leeds United are likely to find out today if their appeal against a 15-point deduction is successful.
The Yorkshire club are currently fighting what they claim is an "unlawful" 15-point sanction imposed by the Football League after the club failed to comply with the league's policies relating to club's leaving administration.
An independent arbitration panel is set to announce its decision to Chartered Institute of Arbitrators this evening.
A reinstatement of the 15-point penalty would see Leeds, who have already confirmed a play-off position, earn promotion to the Championship automatically. Leader's Swansea would be crowned champions is Leeds were awarded 12 points or less.
Other options available to the panel are n upholding of the original deduction or a partial rebate, with seven points being enough to put Leeds in the automatic promotion places.
The League One club, who were relegated from the Championship last season, entered administration in the final week of last season, incurring a 10-point deduction that confirmed their relegation to the third tier of English football - the lowest position in the club's history.
Following a controversial administration process, the club failed to leave administration with a valid CVA (company voluntary agreement) amid the threat of a legal challenge from HMRC to request a winding-up petition through the High Court.
The Football League subsequently withheld the club's Football League membership, also known as a 'golden share' until just two days prior to the start of the current season on the condition that the club accept an unprecedented 15-point penalty.
Leeds however, claim that they only signed this agreement under duress as, given the timing of the Football League's offer, they would have been unable to trade without membership to the league.
An initial appeal, which consisted of a vote between the remaining 71 clubs in the Football League, ruled overwhelmingly in the Football League's favour, prompting Leeds to push for an independent arbitration away from the self-interest of rival clubs.
The verdict is likely to have far-reaching effects on other clubs regardless of the result.
Both Doncaster Rovers and Carlisle United have made it clear that they will consider legal action should the penalty be overturned, threatening to throw the League One play-offs into chaos.
If the arbitration dismisses, Leeds' claims, then it will be a blow to other clubs currently in financial difficulties.
Under Football League regulations, so-called 'football creditors' receive preferred creditor status in the CVA - a condition that HMRC have voiced their displeasure over - suggesting that other clubs may find it difficult to leave administration with a valid CVA in place.
Bournemouth, Luton Town Rotherham United and Halifax Town are all currently in administration.
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