Leeds wait for verdict that may decide League One promotion
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At this stage of the season the promotion and relegation issues are often complicated enough with fans taking calculators as well as radios to matches. In League One, however, the uncertainty principle applies to all computations as no one knows whether Leeds United's 15-point deduction is about to be confirmed, reduced or expunged.
Yesterday it was revealed the independent tribunal currently considering the penalty, imposed by the Football League for allegedly breaking competition rules on insolvency, will reveal its verdict before the season finishes on 1 May, two days before the last round of fixtures.
The hearing, which was expected to be concluded yesterday, will continue into Monday, a fourth day, such is the weight of evidence.
Some promotion rivals have already threatened legal action should Leeds, currently sixth, 12 points behind second-placed Carlisle, win their case.
According to the present League One table Swansea are already promoted and they can clinch the title today. Roberto Martinez, their manager, said: "It would be unfair from a football point of view if their position suddenly changed. If anything else happens, you won't have heard the last of it. It would be a massive war."
At the other end of the table, in a reminder of what a small world football can be, Gerald Krasner, the former Leeds chairman, is considering two bids for Bournemouth in his role as their administrator. This follows the collapse of the planned takeover by EU UK. Whoever succeeds is likely to be inheriting a League Two club as the Cherries, at Walsall today, will go down if they lose and Crewe take a point at home to Cheltenham.
The promotion picture in League Two may be much clearer by tonight as the top four play each other with full houses possible at Edgar Street, where Hereford play second-placed Peterborough, and Edgeley Park, where Stockport host the leaders MK Dons.
Football League ups and downs
* CHAMPIONSHIP Colchester and Scunthorpe are down.
* LEAGUE ONE Swansea, already up, are champions if they match or better Carlisle's result. Bournemouth join relegated Luton and Port Vale if they lose and Crewe gain a point.
* LEAGUE TWO MK Dons go up if they avoid defeat at Stockport, or if Hereford fail to win at Peterborough. Peterborough will be promoted if they win and Stockport do not. Wrexham go down if they fail to better the results of Dagenham & Redbridge and Chester. Mansfield go down if they lose and the Daggers, Notts County and Chester all win.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments