United's promotion bid to drag on and on

9:06pm Thursday 17th April 2008

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The Coca-Cola League One promotion race will lurch on into the summer after being thrown into chaos tonight.

After the second day of an arbitration hearing, in which Leeds United are challenging their 15-point penalty, it emerged that no decision will be made until well after the end of the season.

Sir Philip Otton, chairman of the three-man panel, said the hearing would continue into next week, with a decision due three or four weeks later.

Leeds' season is due to end on May 3 but the verdict may be delayed until May 19.

With promotion rivals threatening a legal challenge should Leeds win back their 15 points, the play-off and automatic promotion issues are in danger of dragging on and on.

Leeds officials were unable to make any comment tonight as they are governed by a confidentiality agreement until a decision is announced.