BATES VERKEN KAN ELLER BØR UTFORDRE THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE:
Are Leeds United risking extinction again?
After a blistering first half of the campaign in which Leeds United seemed destined to sweep aside all before them in their relentless pursuit of promotion the storm clouds again seem to be gathering over Elland Road. Chairman Ken Bates announced in his match day programme notes, ahead of the dire Doncaster Rovers defeat, that the club are taking the Football League to the High Court in their fight to win back their 15 points.
Bates's notes read: 'Leeds United have decided to sue the Football League direct. The more our legal team have dug into the matter, the shambolic administration of both the FA and the FL makes it essential that our grievance is aired before a truly independent body, namely the High Court.' However, this stance appears to be in direct contravention of the agreement made with the Football League when the Whites exited administration and were awarded the 'Golden Share' on the eve of the season.
League chairman Lord Mawhinney confirmed the club had no right to take legal action, saying at the time: 'We have an agreement with Leeds, signed by both the League and the club, that they will not take any legal action against us and we will not take any legal action against them. That is a standard part of the agreement that every club signs when it comes out of administration. That has not been generated for the benefit of Leeds United, we've done that in the last 40 administrations and we did in this one as well.'
All true Leeds fans have felt a grave injustice at the way the club have been treated by the football authorities and their fellow clubs. But is it now time to draw a line under the past, take it on the chin and move forward? The last thing the fans need is any further possible threat to our very existence. Carrying of the fight may seem the only option, but is pursuing that option worth risking the ultimate sacrifice? Cast your vote in our poll above.
POSTED BY LEE BETTERIDGE at 2:08 PM