League turns down Leeds request for all-clear

LONDON, July 12 (Reuters) A bid by Leeds United's new owners to obtain the Football Share needed to play in the third division next season has been turned down, the Football League said today.

The debt-laden club was bought by a group led by chairman Ken Bates yesterday after being put up for sale by administrators KPMG. The new owners need to have the Leeds share transferred to them in order to start the new season.

''The Board was unable to consent to this request this morning,'' the League said in a statement on its Web site ww.football-league.co.uk.

''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 League, which governs the three divisions outside the Premier League, discussed Leeds at a board meeting today which it had expected KPMG to attend.

''However, the League was informed late yesterday afternoon that they would not be attending, with no explanation provided,'' it said.

''Additionally, 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.'' Aware of the impact of its reservations about the sale of the Yorkshire club, the League said: ''Clearly any further delays in this process will be frustrating for Leeds supporters.

''However, like the club's fans, the Board recognises the pressing need for certainty regarding the future of League football in Leeds.'' Should the matter not be sorted out quickly, the League added there was nothing in its regulations to prevent a club beginning a new season whilst in administration.

A major force in English football in the late 1960s and 1970s, Leeds' fortunes have plummeted since being English champions in 1992 and reaching the Champions League semi-final in 2001. Relegated twice since then, they have debts of around 35 million dollars.

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