Leeds United has been warned about the necessity of promotion from the Championship to escape the wrath of Financial Fair Play regulations.
Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson says the team faces a ‘worrying’ position with the potential of punishment if they fail to earn promotion this season.
The Whites’ financial statements for 2022/23 showed the biggest revenues in the club’s history, at £189.7 million. However, relegation from the Premier League resulted in a loss of £33.7 million.
Leeds managed to retain some of its key players moving into the current season, and they are on the verge of promotion in a vital final week of the season as it stands. They need Ipswich Town to slip up, as well as Southampton to beat them on Saturday, to secure second place, and at worst, they will have to go through the playoffs.
However, Robinson, speaking to Football Insider’s The Inside Track podcast in response to their claim that Leeds have outstanding payments of £73.6 million for past transfers that must be completed by June 30, has expressed his concern about a points-based punishment in the second tier if his former employers fail to make it out of the division.
“Leeds United are a huge football club, with the fanbase and the revenue they turn over, not just in this country but globally,” he said. “They currently outnumber several Premier League teams.
“There’s another question concerning the stadium. Elland Road has been in need of repairs for a long time. They are discussing whether or not to redevelop the site.
“But if the money isn’t there to generate revenue, look at Everton, who have a new stadium to try to improve themselves and boost revenue. It is difficult to do when you will be fined for it.
“The accounts are undoubtedly troubling, but I believe the Premier League would be a big plus for Leeds if that is the case.
“You just hope there is no expenditure that results in a points deduction, because getting into the Premier League is difficult enough.
“But starting off behind the black ball with a points deduction makes it difficult to stay in there. It appears that a point deduction is possible, which would be disastrous.
The former England international compared Leeds’ potential predicament to the one Sheffield United had last season when they were promoted. Even if the Blades avoided penalty by moving up from the second tier, they were obliged to sell a number of key players before to the current season, during which their immediate relegation has been confirmed.
He added: “If you believe what you read, if they [Sheffield United] did not get into the Premier League, it would have been a financial disaster for them.”
“They began the Premier League season weaker than they concluded the Championship with the group that they had since they had to sell players before entering the Premier League.
“The Premier League money has kept them going and their head above water.”
