Guardian Unlimited Football | News | Reprieve for Leeds on nine-point penalty
Premier League chairmen have voted to dock clubs nine points if they go into administration, but Leeds United will be relieved to hear the new penalty will not come into force until June 3.
That date will ease the pressure on Leeds, who could be forced into administration tomorrow if they fail to raise the £5m demanded by their creditors.
Richard Scudamore, the Premier League's chief executive, revealed that Leeds had not voted as the big clubs followed the example set by the Football League before the start of this season - but only on a split decision.
"If you like we have followed a lead from the Football League, who introduced the rule in the summer," said Scudamore.
"If a club go into adminstration and can relieve themselves of debt it gives an unfair advantage in terms of league position.
"The view of the clubs is that there should be a big disincentive for clubs to overspend and overstretch themselves - that's why there will be a nine-point sanction."
The Football League have a slightly harsher 10-point penalty, but Scudamore said that was because their season is slightly longer
"Football League teams play more games a season - 46, compared to our 38 - so 10 points in their league has a different value," he added. "Nine points is our equivalent.
"It was a split decision but it's official now in the Premier League rule book - as of today, although it won't apply until June 3.
"It was stressed by the board this was a decision to be taken absent of Leeds United. It is topical - but it had no bearing on the voting today."
A nine-point deduction would all but ensure relegation for the Elland Road club, who are already two points below 19th-place Wolves.
Premier League chairmen have voted to dock clubs nine points if they go into administration, but Leeds United will be relieved to hear the new penalty will not come into force until June 3.
That date will ease the pressure on Leeds, who could be forced into administration tomorrow if they fail to raise the £5m demanded by their creditors.
Richard Scudamore, the Premier League's chief executive, revealed that Leeds had not voted as the big clubs followed the example set by the Football League before the start of this season - but only on a split decision.
"If you like we have followed a lead from the Football League, who introduced the rule in the summer," said Scudamore.
"If a club go into adminstration and can relieve themselves of debt it gives an unfair advantage in terms of league position.
"The view of the clubs is that there should be a big disincentive for clubs to overspend and overstretch themselves - that's why there will be a nine-point sanction."
The Football League have a slightly harsher 10-point penalty, but Scudamore said that was because their season is slightly longer
"Football League teams play more games a season - 46, compared to our 38 - so 10 points in their league has a different value," he added. "Nine points is our equivalent.
"It was a split decision but it's official now in the Premier League rule book - as of today, although it won't apply until June 3.
"It was stressed by the board this was a decision to be taken absent of Leeds United. It is topical - but it had no bearing on the voting today."
A nine-point deduction would all but ensure relegation for the Elland Road club, who are already two points below 19th-place Wolves.