League reject Leeds approach
12 Jul 2007 - 15:30:09
The Football League have turned down an approach from Leeds United's new owners to obtain the 'Golden Share' needed to play in League One next season.
Administrators KPMG agreed to sell the club back to chairman Ken Bates in a controversial decision on Wednesday.
The new owners need the share to be transferred to them in order to start the new season.
However, the Football League have demanded further assurances concerning the sale of before they will consider granting the necessary permission for the cash-strapped club to kick-off the new campaign.
"At its meeting in London, the board of the Football League considered the reported sale of Leeds United by its administrators," read a statement.
"To date, no documentation regarding the sale has been submitted by the administrators. Notwithstanding this, the board was asked by the reported purchasers to consider an application to transfer Leeds United's share in the Football League to them.
"The board was unable to consent to this request this. Instead it has requested, from the administrators, certain required documentation and assurances regarding the sale of the club.
"The board also requires certainty on the current legal proceedings surrounding the administration.
"The board expressed concern at the handling of the whole process by the administrators and the chairman was instructed to obtain legal advice in that regard.
"Also, for the avoidance of doubt, the League would like to make it clear that there is nothing in its regulations to prevent a club beginning a new playing season whilst in administration."