Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Mon 1 June 2026 12:15, UK

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Leeds United have been financially penalised by the mistakes made by the PGMOL and Howard Webb’s officials in 2025-26.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the errors made by referees and VAR are likely to have impacted the Whites’ season.

Daniel Farke did an incredible job in the second half of the campaign, taking Leeds to a 14th-place finish, as well as an FA Cup semi-final, but it could have been even better at Elland Road, it is believed.

Had the team finished higher up the Premier League rankings, Leeds would have earned more prize money, and there is no telling how that might impact the club going forward this summer.

Leeds United feel the impact of PGMOL inconsistencies

A recent BBC report found that Leeds were the team negatively impacted by referee and VAR mistakes the most, having none go in their favour and four going against them in the Premier League.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee explained how costly these mistakes could be at Elland Road, and why it is so important that Webb makes key fixes ahead of next season.

“It’s also the other side financially, because a point earned in the Premier League gets them a substantial amount of money. Their position in the league table also impacts their earnings,” Hackett said.

“So it’s not just the fact that they potentially could be relegated, but they’re also in a position where, financially, they’re also penalised. The reality is that Webb has to reduce the number of errors. VAR should not be making errors. 

“The VAR operator should know the laws of the game; he can play clips as long as he likes, he can take as long as he likes despite being under pressure, and he still gets it wrong. How can that happen?”

Will Daniel Farke still be at Elland Road next season?

Finances are likely to be a hot topic at Elland Road this summer, with Daniel Farke keen to be supported by the owners once the transfer window swings open.

His comments in the media appear to have landed him in hot water, though, with Farke slammed for his “unnecessary” dig at 49ers Enterprises, but the manager has been burned over transfers before.

Supporters were left waiting for transfers to be announced last summer, with many being done just before the window closed, and Farke clearly doesn’t want a repeat ahead of 2026-27.

Had Leeds finished higher up the Premier League table, he might have had more cash to splash on new signings, but referees and VAR had other ideas, clearly.