‘There are only two outcomes I can see…’ – Leeds Exclusive: Whelan reacts to big FA update
Noel Whelan insists no teams can object to Leeds United and West Brom gaining promotion if the season cannot be completed as the FA admitted fans won’t return to football for some time.
The former Whites and Coventry striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, claims enough games have been played to give an accurate representation of who deserves to be promoted.
UEFA want clubs to be handed their league position based on sporting merit in the eventuality the season’s remaining fixtures cannot be completed.
Netherlands, Belgium and France have already declared their season’s finished due to concerns over COVID-19.
The Premier League is pushing forward with ‘Project Restart’ with the latest proposal to play fixtures in neutral venues as early as mid-June.
But FA chairman Greg Clarke has delivered a stark warning that fans can’t expect to return to matches for a long time.
When asked by Football Insider if he supported promoting teams based on sporting merit, Whelan said: “I think it is the fairest approach to take.
“There is only two outcomes I can see: finish the season and complete the schedule, or you call it as it is.
“I do not think any teams can grumble, they will have a whinge because they might be in play-off spots but if you are third, you have been third-best throughout the season.
“Only two can go automatically up. No-one planned for this. If you are third it is unfortunate but it is the way it is.
“We have played 37 games. Teams are where they are for a reason. Two should go up and the rest try again next season.
“I would be saying the same if Leeds were third. If this is the safest way then this should be how it is concluded.”
Leeds are currently seven points clear of third-placed Fulham and a point clear of second-placed West Brom with nine fixtures remaining.
However, United will hope the Premier League and EFL do not follow the example of the Dutch league who have ended the season with no champions, relegation or promotion.
In other Leeds United news, Ben White has been tipped to re-sign this summer after Phil Hay reveal.