Leeds United: EFL stance shared as Daniel Farke’s side set out for ‘minor miracle’
Graham Smyth has shared the EFL’s stance should Leeds United achieve a “minor miracle” and reach both the FA Cup final and Championship play-off final.
Leeds will hope to go up to the Premier League via the automatic spots, but if not they have the safety net of the play-offs, which conclude at Wembley on May 26.
The FA Cup final at the same venue is the previous day, so it would not be feasible for a team to play in both fixtures, which could still be the case for Leeds.
Writing for the Yorkshire Evening Post‘s online edition about such a scenario playing out, Smyth said: “What if Leeds were able to pull off a minor miracle and reach the FA Cup final, while simultaneously slipping out of the automatic promotion places and subsequently making it to the play-off final?
“The idea of playing two such monumental and consequential games in two days is obviously untenable.
“The FA are not yet willing to comment on the scenario, and the EFL have told the YEP that there is a contingency in place for such an eventuality, but they’re not yet willing to confirm exactly what that is.
“That should put minds at ease, however, that should Whites lightning strike twice at Wembley this season it will not happen on consecutive days.”
Leeds United face tough Chelsea test in FA Cup
Leeds contesting the play-off final is not exactly far-fetched, even if they are well positioned to likely follow Leicester City in going up automatically.
Reaching the FA Cup final is more of a challenge, with Chelsea up next on Wednesday (28 February) for a place in the quarter-finals.
Optimistic Leeds fans are hoping to come away from Stamford Bridge with a victory. Even if that happens, though, then teams like Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United could then await.
Still, stranger things have happened and it remains a possibility with the showpiece fixtures now just a few months away.
Should Leeds come through the Chelsea tie and then progress through the next round, to say FA chiefs would have a headache would be a massive understatement.
For now, let’s just focus on winning each game as they come and see how the land lies further down the line.
In other Leeds United news, the future of Brenden Aaronson at Elland Road has been discussed.
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