Source: FOOTYMAD
FA Prolong Routledge's Wait
Wayne Routledge will not sign a deal with QPR until he knows what division they will be in next season. He has been on loan at the club and is still waiting for the FA to decide their future. QPR's agonising wait to find out whether they will be playing in the Barclays Premier League next season is set to drag on into the weekend. The Football Association have postponed their decision on the charges facing the npower Championship leaders regarding the Alejandro Faurlin affair. The verdict, which was due at 4pm on Friday afternoon, could now be delayed until after Rangers have played their final match of the season, against Leeds on Saturday. They are due to be presented with the Championship trophy at Loftus Road after the game, but could still have the threat of a possible points deduction hanging over them. An FA statement read: "It was originally indicated that the decision of the commission on the charges and on any sanction, if appropriate, would be announced by 4pm on Friday, May 6, if possible. "This will not now happen. A decision will be made and announced as soon as possible thereafter." Rangers are alleged to have breached strict third-party ownership rules over his transfer from Instituto in 2009, but deny all seven of the charges facing them. Neil Warnock's side secured the title with a 2-0 win at Watford last Saturday, but the celebrations were understandably slightly more muted than those of Norwich, who clinched second place and promotion at Portsmouth on Monday. If Rangers are found guilty and docked points, Norwich could be crowned champions after the season has finished, while the Hoops may be dumped in the play-offs. The timing of the hearing has already been questioned by some rival clubs, but the delay means the promotion picture still remains unclear. The Football League will not be changing the scheduling of the play-offs regardless of whether Rangers are involved as a result of any sanctions and subsequently appeal against the decision. If they do drop out of the automatic promotion places, Cardiff or Swansea would be promoted behind Norwich. Warnock has said all along he is confident the club will not be deducted points, but today's announcement will not have allayed any lingering fears. A statement from Rangers read: "Queens Park Rangers Football Club has acknowledged today's statement by the Football Association and will be making no further comment." QPR boss Neil Warnock told BBC Radio Five Live: "You've just got to get on with what you believe is right - and we are concentrating on beating Leeds. It was a dark day when we lost up there and they celebrated a lot that day. "Now we are celebrating ourselves - we're going to be presented with the Championship. We've been the best team in the league by a mile and we're going to celebrate on Saturday as good as any celebrations can be."
