Leeds United Football Club denied rumors that they are taking legal actions against the Football League. However, executive director Paul Bell confirmed that Sky Sports was one of the subjects of their recent meeting with the League.
Rumors have previously surfaced claiming that the Leeds are seeking to dismantle collective TV rights and are eyeing to sell their own games. According to Talk Sport, the club's owner Massimo Cellino's ties with Sky and the League was also not at its best due to the amount of times that the club's games were shown live by the network.
In a statement, Bell confirmed that they are currently in disagreement with Sky's control over the fixtures, however, he clarified that they are not seeking for legal actions against it. As reported by Sports Mole, Bell attended a private meeting last Thursday where their concerns were addressed .
The details stated in the rumor was allegedly from an insider who was in the meeting but such rumors were recently put to rest by Bell clarifying that they are not seeking or taking legal action to dismantle the collective selling of TV rights as has been suggested.
The executive director also stated that they want transparency regarding the rights of the TV company's control over the fixture list.
"The club has, however, made it clear to both Sky and the League that it opposes the degree of control exercised by Sky over the league fixture list, and seeks transparency as to how these rights have been sold. Today's article seeks to position Leeds United as a lone, isolated voice. However, this is far from the truth and there is a growing number of clubs who now understand and share our desire for transparency", Bell stated.
According to BBC, Leeds' play with Middlesbrough at Elland Road on Monday was forced by the Football League through an injunction. However, the League stated that the shift in schedule was due to the Leeds' legal challenge.
Cellino previously kept Sky from entering during the Leeds United Football Club's game against Derby last December 29. However, he eventually allowed the broadcast five hours before the kick-off. The Football League has not released their statement regarding the matter.
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