It was not unfair that Leeds United were docked 15 points at the start of the season.
That was the verdict of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators who examined an appeal against the decision which could cost the Yorkshire club promotion to the Championship [division remove].
Leeds suffered the points deduction for entering into administration at the end of last season and for breaking competition insolvency rules.
Automatic promotion-spot rivals Doncaster and Carlisle were poised to take legal action if the decision had been reversed and Swansea could have felt aggrieved if Leeds had taken advantage of league leniency to pip them to winning the division.
Leeds chairman Ken Bates, who used to own Chelsea Football Club, confirmed that he would stand by the decision though he did call for chairman of the Football League Brian Mawhinney, who used to be chairman of the Tory party, to resign.
Mr Bates's club has had an eventful season. Manager Denis Wise, despite being unpopular with the fans, helped oversee a winning streak which saw the club soon wipe out the points deficit at the start of the season.
But there was little love lost when he left for a mysterious role at Newcastle United. Ex-Leeds player Gary McAllister has picked up the baton to guide them into a play-off place.
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21 October 2010
21 October 2010
21 October 2010
20 October 2010
20 October 2010
