Leeds fully aware of Premier rules, says chief Bates

Earlier this week, Richard Scudamore, the League’s chief executive, told a Select Committee of MPs investigating how English football is run that Leeds would have to reveal exactly who owns the club.

United’s ownership structure is complex, with 73 per cent of shares being held by Forward Sports Fund Ltd, a company registered in the Caribbean island of Nevis whose shareholders are anonymous.

During his evidence on Tuesday, Scudamore told the Culture, Media and Sport committee that his organisation would insist on information “over and above” the details previously supplied by Leeds to the Football League.

That led to fears among supporters that United could be prevented from going up if Simon Grayson’s side, who sit fifth in the Championship with seven games remaining, were to clinch promotion from the Championship.

Bates, however, has moved to ease those concerns. The United chairman said: “We are fully aware of the Premier League rules because when the Football League drafted their rules, they did them in consultation with the Premier League to make sure they fitted in with each other. And we satisfied the Football League.

“We know exactly what the requirements are of the Premier League rules and we do not anticipate any problems in meeting those requirements.

“I think it is a sad comment on this select committee when they have so many things to talk about and really look in depth at. Yet all they are concerned about is (England coach Fabio) Capello’s contract and Leeds United.

“It says one of two things: is this select committee entirely missing the point? Or, alternatively, there is not a lot wrong with the state of football.”

Two years ago, the Football League wrote to Leeds for clarification over who was in ultimate charge at Elland Road.

The documentation subsequently provided by club officials led to the owners passing the League’s fit and proper persons test.

Scudamore said this week at Westminster: “The Football League have chosen not to apply the rule as robustly as we think we will be applying it.”