Leeds United Thumped With 15-point Deduction

In a long running saga at Elland Road, Leeds United have learned that they will be permitted to start the new season in League One. But as they have broken the League's insolvency rules, they will start the new season with a 15-point deduction.

In a statement from the Football League, the League is quoted as saying: "The Football League Board agreed that, notwithstanding the manner in which this administration has been conducted, the club should be permitted to continue in the Football League. Consequently, the board has decided to make use of the 'exceptional circumstances' provision within the League's insolvency policy, for the first time, and agreed to transfer the club's share in The Football League to LeedsUnited 2007 Ltd. Accordingly, the club's share has now been transferred. However, it is acknowledged the club did go into administration and has been unable to comply with the terms of the League's well-established insolvency policy. As a result, the board determined this transfer of membership should be subject to Leeds United having a 15-point deduction applicable from the beginning of the 2007/08 season. Leeds subsequently have lodged an appeal against this sanction, which will be heard at a special meeting of all League clubs, to be arranged in due course".