Sponsored by
FIFA WILL RULE ON ED
By PAUL DEWS LEEDS UNITED must seek permission from FIFA to play World Cup-bound midfielder Eddie Lewis if they reach the Coca-Cola Championship play-off final in May.
Lewis is set to be named in the USA squad for the World Cup finals in Germany in June and, while American boss Bruce Arena has already given Leeds the thumbs up to retain the player until after the final on May 21, FIFA must rubber stamp his clearance from international duty.
The YEP can reveal that the final decision on Lewis' availability rests with FIFA – not the US Soccer Federation – following a directive issued to all the qualified nations for the World Cup.
Under FIFA regulations, all players named in World Cup squads must be released by their respective clubs on May 15 –six days before the play-off final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium – and the countries and clubs are obliged to comply with the ruling. The only exceptions to the rule are the players participating in the FA Cup final or the UEFA Champions League final.
Leeds would need to obtain similar clearance for Aussie midfielder Joel Griffiths – who scored his first goal for the club in last night's 1-1 reserve team draw with Manchester City – if he gets the nod to join the Socceroos squad for the World Cup.
The ruling also affects United's Championship rivals Crystal Palace who could be forced into applying for permission to play Andy Johnson – if selected in the England squad – and Australian star Tony Popovic.
A FIFA spokesman today confirmed: "The FIFA executive took the decision that there must be a one-week rest period for all players involved in the World Cup, and they must be released by their clubs by May 15.
"The only exceptions as it stands are the FA Cup final and the Champions League final.
"Any club wishing to field a player in other circumstances would have to contact us once they know the situation and any decision would be made by the organising committee."
Lewis is the only ever present in the Championship for Leeds this term and has scored five league goals since his summer switch from Preston North End, but Griffiths has yet to figure for Kevin Blackwell's side.
No clearance is required for the play-off semi-finals, which take place before May 15.
Meanwhile, United boss Blackwell was today hoping to add at least one new face to his squad ahead of the loan transfer deadline.
Blackwell is looking to pep up his squad in readiness for the final seven games of the season.
It's understood that Leeds rebuffed a loan approach from Oldham Athletic for striker Ian Moore.
Moore's father Ronnie is in charge at Boundary Park and was keen for his son to join the Latics push for a place in the League One play-offs.
l NEW recruit Jermaine Beckford caught the eye on his debut for Leeds United reserves last night.
The former Wealdstone striker, who featured as a late substitute during Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, played 58 minutes of last night's second string clash with Manchester City.
Beckford had a goal disallowed for offside on the half-hour mark when he rolled the ball home from close range and the striker also teed up Eirik Bakke shortly before half-time, but City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver made a good save.
Leeds had the better of the clash, but City took the lead after 69 minutes when Ashley Grimes seized on a clearance and tucked the ball home.
The visitors lead lasted barely two minutes before Joel Griffiths – another player to impress – delivered a fine finish to level the scores.
The Aussie international also went close moments later with a good close-range chance to win the game.
Boss Kevin Blackwell was among the crowd at the South Leeds Stadium and he was delighted with his two newest recruits.
He said: "We gave Jermaine an hour, and he showed good potential. I was pleased with what I saw.
"Joel also did well. He's been unfortunate with the way the games have fallen so it was a good opportunity for him last night."
Frazer Richardson returned to action at the for the reserves while Dan Harding and Danny Pugh were also handed run-outs.
United: Smith, Richardson, Harding, Hird, Marques, Griffiths, Gray, Beckford (Ameobi 58), Howson (Rothery 76), Pugh Subs (not used): Wilberforce, Parker, Madden.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Leeds
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: East
