>>So do UEFA or FIFA have jurisdiction over the FL? i.e. if in the unlikely
event that one or other decide our punishment is excessive, do they have
the power to overturn it?<<
Stranger things have happened. UEFA is a notoriously meddling organisation -
how many times does its spokesman (William Gaillard) fetch up, sounding off
about something that seemingly doesn't concern UEFA?
Perhaps the Trust should compile a document detailing the potential
ramifications for European football and the injustices inherent in the FL's
decision
and send it to M. Gaillard?
This would point out the disproportionate nature of the penalty vis-a-vis
the Italian penalties (the lenience of which UEFA was very unhappy) -
specifically that Leeds' penalty is purely because of procedural issues
relating to
receivership, while Milan et al fixed matches.
It would point out that the 15pt penalty was not in any rule book - it was a
figure plucked from the air by the FL board. And now it is a precedent: any
club going into receivership incurs a 10pt penalty (in the FL rules) and a
further 15pt penalty if it cannot exit via CVA (not in the FL rules but a
precedent has now been set). As HMRC now has a policy of challenging all CVAs,
any
club going into receivership will be docked 25 points. How does this create
a competitive league? How is this in any way fair on loyal fans? How does
this help clubs with financial difficulties recover? And does UEFA want to see
domestic league managers setting such stringent penalties? Surely if UEFA has
a role in matters such as these, it's to ensure some kind of consistency
between different national leagues?
And it would point out the unfairness of the appeals process - other clubs
in the same division will inevitably vote for the penalty as it is in their
self-interest. Should the appeal not have been decided by an independent body?
Should the decision not be reviewed by an independent body (eg UEFA, or one
approved by UEFA)?
What do you reckon, Rick? Any mileage in such an approach? Might not work,
but then again....
Mark
_______________________________________________
the Leeds List is an unmoderated mailing list and the list administrators
accept no liability for the personal views and opinions of contributors.
Leedslist mailing list
[email protected]
http://list.zetnet.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist
Join The Leeds United Supporters Trust at www.lufctrust.org
