SWANSEA CITY will not be presented with the League One trophy this weekend unless Leeds United's arbitration case over the 15-point penalty has been settled, the Football League has confirmed.
The Swans host Leyton Orient in their final home match of the season and had been hoping to be presented with the title after moving seven points clear of second-placed Carlisle United with two games remaining.
However, the Welsh club's hopes of b
eing handed the trophy have been dashed, because the three-man independent panel who will decide whether the League were right to impose the deduction are not expected to give their verdict before Saturday.
Should Leeds win their appeal, the return of the points would – on the current standings – leave Gary McAllister's men just one point adrift of Swansea at the top of League One.
A statement released from the Football League said: "Following legal advice, the Football League can confirm that it will not present the League One trophy to Swansea City at their match with Leyton Orient on Saturday due to the ongoing arbitration hearing involving Leeds United.
"The Panel in the hearing have committed to provide a verdict on or before May 1 and the League has been advised not to engage in any actions which might be misconstrued or viewed as pre-empting the arbitration process in any way."
Leeds, who have already sold more than 31,000 tickets for the final home game against Gillingham a week on Saturday, are currently in sixth place in the League One table with 70 points, with Swansea on 86 points.
Meanwhile, United will find out tomorrow at a Football Association disciplinary hearing whether Casper Ankergren will be banned or not.
The Danish goalkeeper has already pleaded guilty to a charge of improper conduct after allegedly throwing a missile into the crowd during United's 1-0 win at Swindon Town.
Ankergren, who could face a fine or ban, has requested a personal hearing.
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