It’s been confirmed this evening that the EFL have finally concluded their investigation into Leeds United’s temerity to stand on public ground outside of opposition clubs’ training grounds to see if we could possibly see anything useful.
Now, it’s fair to say the whole affair has been a little distasteful and ‘spying’ is seen as something not done in our own game, yet it’s pretty common practice abroad. It’s also not unfair to say that revelations from former players, and re-run stories about daily routines at other clubs ahead of games have made the belief that it’s ‘something not done’ utter nonsense.
Despite the grandstanding from others, whether that be pundits or managers or even EFL member club chairman, the EFL were on a sticky wicket as no crime had been committed (despite the leaked ‘fake news’ repeated by those who should know better) and there was actually no strict guideline against it.
When push come to shove amongst talk of points deductions, that was never going to happen and a fine was always the most likely outcome.
📰 | Statement from EFL and Leeds United
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 18, 2019
So Leeds will pay a £200,000 fine and have received a formal reprimand, and that’s job done.
The fine and reprimand is based on the vague Regulation 3.4 which states:
“…in all matters and transactions relating to the League, each club shall behave towards each other club and the League with the utmost good faith.”
If we wanted to labour the point we could argue public ground as good faith, but given the distraction this has become we’re better off putting it behind us and just holding our hands up.
The EFL had to do something and this was the likely outcome, and a natural follow through is an update to the rules to make it abundantly clear and Sky Sports state a new rule prohibiting sides from watching training (by any means) 72 hours prior to a game will be a strict breach moving forward – unless invited to do so.
An EFL statement confirmed.
“Leeds United has fully co-operated with the EFL’s inquiries and, following a comprehensive review of all the evidence provided, the club has now formally admitted a breach of Regulation 3.4. As a consequence, the club has been fined £200,000 (inclusive of a contribution to costs) and received a formal reprimand and warning to the effect that the club’s conduct fell significantly short of the standards expected by the EFL and must not be repeated.”
Proving this was a balancing act by the EFL, chief executive Shaun Harvey stated that something had to be done to show a ‘clear deterrent’ in the future, but he also thanked Leeds for their assistance, given we were so practically open about everything.
The Football Association have also issued a couple of warnings but are also backing off.
Time to move on and get the Championship campaign back on track after we lost our advantage.