Keith Hackett: PGMOL has cost Leeds United millions as 2025-26 Premier League figures emerge
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Credit: Imago Mon 1 June 2026 12:15, UK Leeds United have been financially penalised by the mistakes made by the PGMOL and Howard Webb’s officials in 2025-26.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the errors made by referees and VAR are likely to have impacted the Whites’ season.Daniel Farke did an incredible job in the second half of the campaign, taking Leeds to a 14th-place finish, as well as an FA Cup semi-final, but it could have been even better at Elland Road, it is believed.Had the team finished higher up the Premier League rankings, Leeds would have earned more prize money, and there is no telling how that might impact the club going forward this summer. 💰 Leeds United Finance Update 💰 Inside the transfer budget, player wages, new kits, stadium news, 49ers Enterprises accounts and boardroom developments. VISIT THE LEEDS FINANCE HUBLeeds United feel the impact of PGMOL inconsistenciesA recent BBC report found that Leeds were the team negatively impacted by referee and VAR mistakes the most, having none go in their favour and four going against them in the Premier League.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee explained how costly these mistakes could be at Elland Road, and why it is so important that Webb makes key fixes ahead of next season.“It’s also the other side financially, because a point earned in the Premier League gets them a substantial amount of money. Their position in the league table also impacts their earnings,” Hackett said.Premier League 2024-25Prize money12.
VAR should not be making errors. How can that happen?”Will Daniel Farke still be at Elland Road next season?Finances are likely to be a hot topic at Elland Road this summer, with Daniel Farke keen to be supported by the owners once the transfer window swings open.His comments in the media appear to have landed him in hot water, though, with Farke slammed for his “unnecessary” dig at 49ers Enterprises, but the manager has been burned over transfers before.Supporters were left waiting for transfers to be announced last summer, with many being done just before the window closed, and Farke clearly doesn’t want a repeat ahead of 2026-27.Had Leeds finished higher up the Premier League table, he might have had more cash to splash on new signings, but referees and VAR had other ideas, clearly. 🚨 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Leeds United Insider Access Get the full story from Elland Road and Thorp Arch with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of West Yorkshire.