The panel considering the arbitration of Leeds United have confirmed that a decision on 15-points appeal will be made by 1st May.

Speculation had been circulating that a decision could be delayed until the end of the season, although that has now been quashed.

The hearing had been expected to last three days after beginning in London on Wednesday, although it has also now been confirmed it will run until Monday.

Leeds were deducted 15 points at the start of the season, on top of the 10 points they were docked last term, after allegedly breaking insolvency rules.

Whites supremo Ken Bates was unhappy rival clubs were given the chance to vote on Leeds' punishment and called for an independent tribunal to rule on the Football League's decision.

Should Leeds, who are currently sixth in League One, win all 15 points back they would jump to second in the table three points clear of Carlisle in the race for automatic promotion.