Leeds set for naughty step as financial deadline quickly approaches
Leeds United are currently pushing for a return to the Premier League, and will know the financial implications of winning promotion.
The Whites have hit a poor run of form, having won just one of their last five games and are now tied on points with third-place Burnley.
Having previously looked like champions elect, Daniel Farke’s men are now in danger of missing out on the rewards of a place in the Premier League.
Leeds were left particularly frustrated by the nature of their 2-2 draw with Swansea on Saturday as goalkeeper Illan Meslier made two siginificant errors.
Kieran Maguire makes Leeds admission as financial deadline looms
The Athletic’s football finance writer, Chris Weatherspoon, revealed that Leeds are one of seven clubs from the 2023/24 Championship season who need to release their financial accounts by the end of 31 March.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire responded to that, saying: “The naughty step awaits.
“Clubs use a variety of delaying tactics to push back the submission date. Some just pay the fine as hold fans in contempt from a transparency perspective.”
However, when asked by an X user if any of the clubs were expected to have any serious issues, Maguire replied: “No, they are all well funded by owners.”
Leeds face a tough task in turning their form around
The Elland Road faithful will not be as concerned by the Whites’ incoming financial announcement as much as they are worried by the West Yorkshire club’s dwindling promotion chances.
| Championship table (Top three) | Games Played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1 Sheffield Utd | 39 | 27 | 83 |
| 2 Leeds | 39 | 51 | 81 |
| 3 Burnley | 39 | 42 | 81 |
Having dropped points in four of their last five outings, Farke’s men could be facing an uphill battle in fending off Burnley, who are trying to leapfrog the Whites into second place.
To ease fears of dropping into the playoffs, as seen last season, Leeds must get back to winning ways at the first time of asking, but it won’t be easy.
On paper, Farke’s free-scoring side should be able to overcome the challenge of relegation-battlers Luton on Saturday, but Matt Bloomfield’s men will be intent on avoiding a second consecutive relegation.
Furthermore, Luton have now won three of their last five games and are in better form than the Whites, which highlights their desperation to remain in the second tier.
Something needs to change, and quickly.