Ken Bates has regained control of the ailing Leeds United, after administrators KPMG today (11 July) approved the sale of the club to his consortium for an undisclosed sum.

It was Bates who put the League One club into administration in May this year with debts of £35m, and at one point offered shareholders just a penny for each pound he owed, which resulted in a challenge being mounted by the Inland Revenue and led to the club being put back on sale last week.

KPMG joint administrator Richard Fleming said that the deal with Bates’ newly formed Leed United Football Club Limited consortium was the best deal for the club.

“We received several offers for the business which we considered carefully. The approved deal represents the best result for creditors in the circumstances and we believe provides the club with the best chance of survival.

“We understand this has been a difficult time for all those concerned about the future of Leeds United. This deal is a necessary step if the club is to have a chance of playing in League One in the 2007/08 season.”