Leeds United narrowly avoid fines for takeover announcement as EFL introduce new rules
Leeds United could be affected by new EFL rules, as The Athletic have shared that fines could be issued for announcing takeovers subject to league approval.
It has been revealed that the EFL has approved regulation amendments that mean football clubs will not be allowed to announce takeovers that are still subject to their approval.
It was decided at an annual general meeting in June that clubs and their directors must not enter any agreement by which a person or entity would take control of the club subject to approval from the league. This means that clubs announcing “subject to league approval” in proposed takeovers will now be in breach of EFL rules.
Leeds United announced in June that Aser Ventures, headed by Andrea Radrizzani, had reached an agreement with 49ers Enterprises for the purchase of the club “subject to league approval” which has been delayed as the change in ownership is yet to be finalised by the EFL.
It has been shared that, although no punishment for the rule breach has been outlined, it is likely to be delivered in the form of fines by the EFL.
Leeds shouldn’t be affected due to the timing of the rule change
As the takeover was announced prior to the changing of the rules, Leeds United are unlikely to be punished for what would now be an infringement of appendix three, rule 10.5.2.
The takeover of the club by 49ers Enterprises is still being delayed by the EFL as they are yet to grant approval despite reports suggesting that there is no reason why the governing body wouldn’t approve the deal.
In fact, the club and its fans may even have benefited from the rule change, as had the deal not been announced prior to league approval, they would not have faced the agonisingly long wait for confirmation which has put a spanner in the works of other club-based issues such as the managerial saga and player recruitment.
This is certainly something to look out for across the league, but the Whites should be fine to crack on without the worry that it should hit them.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared a transfer update as player arrives in new country ahead of move.