Leeds United ‘could hamper 49ers’ takeover at Rangers’ after recent events

Leeds United ‘could hamper 49ers’ takeover at Rangers’ after recent events

Leeds United’s recent dip in form could have catastrophic implications for the 49ers Enterprises as they look to expand their portfolio in the Scottish Premiership.

Daniel Farke’s side may have been competing at the top end of the Championship throughout the season so far but they don’t seem keen to achieve promotion the easy way.

 

 

 

Although they regained a lead at the top of the table in the week, a 2-2 draw with QPR on Saturday (15 March) has left Sheffield United with an opportunity to go level on points at the top of the Championship.

 

 

Leeds manager Daniel Farke. (Credit: Imago)

Leeds need promotion to ease 49ers deal

The Leeds owners are looking at agreeing a deal to take a 51-per-cent stake in the ownership of Rangers ahead of the new season starting.

 

There have been questions about how this would work, but with suggestions of the Gers becoming a feeder club for the Whites, it is clear that Leeds could benefit from the agreement too.

 

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However, of all the setbacks one could expect when looking to complete a takeover, it could become a sticky situation if Leeds find themselves falling away from the top of the league.

 

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According to Alan Nixon via The Sun on Sunday’s print edition (16 March, page 55), EFL regulations forbid owners of clubs to also have ownership of other British clubs.

 

These restrictions do not exist in the Premier League, however, which would give the 49ers a much simpler route to ownership if promotion is achieved.

 

If Leeds did find themselves in the second tier for another season, the owners would have to hope for EFL intervention to bypass the rules which, given Burnley are said to have a collaboration with Dundee rather than an ownership, could be possible.

 

Elland Road

Elland Road, home of Leeds. (Credit: Imago)

Leeds have lots riding on Premier League promotion

There was no question about what Leeds’ aims were this season: Promotion has been the only goal and for plenty of the campaign they have looked well on their way.

 

However, in recent weeks, the Whites have seen their form dip and they have now won only two of their last five games in the league.

 

Sheffield United take on Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday (16 March) which, if they win, would see the two teams tied for points at the top of the table.

 

With Burnley starting to pick up some wins, though, they are also proving to be a force that could threaten automatic promotion this term.

 

That being said, the fact EFL regulations could put a hold on the deal for a takeover at Rangers suggests that the owners had no concern over their chances this term.

 

If the Whites can see out the season and achieve Premier League promotion, they will certainly be looking towards better times in the top flight as well as giving their owners a chance to expand.

 

However, if Farke’s men prove to be unable to see it through, it could well cause some big issues at Elland Road both on and off the pitch.