Ken Bates' club are currently sixth in League One (Getty)

The arbitration hearing into Leeds United's 15-point penalty has confirmed it will make its decision by 1 May, before the final game of the season.

Sir Phillip Otton, chairman of the three-man panel, said on Thursday the verdict might not be delivered for another three or four weeks.

However, that has now been changed due to the complication it could cause with the League One play-offs.

The panel have now retired for the day and will reconvene on Monday.

BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope said: "What we do know is that the arbitration is going to go into a fourth day.

"It was meant to finish on Friday but it's now going to go to the end of next Monday when closing submissions from the Football League and Leeds United will be submitted.

606:DEBATE What do you make of the timing of the ruling?

"Leeds are saying that the 15-point sanction is unlawful and last night I was told by chambers that Sir Phillip Otton said that the verdict will be given three to four weeks after the last day of the hearing."

The panel could back the Football League's ruling and uphold the penalty or if they find the penalty unlawful they may reinstate all 15 points.

Another option could see the panel return a proportion of the lost points, with five being the most likely added to Leeds' current total of 67.

Leeds are demanding a maximum return of points, as they see the punishment as disproportionate.

The West Yorkshire club had already been docked 10 points for originally entering administration while still in the Championship, so in total they have been docked 25 points.

If Ken Bates' club were to receive all 15 points back, as things stand they would move up to second in League One and could clinch automatic promotion back to the Championship.

However, this outcome would upset other League One clubs.

Promotion hopefuls Carlisle United and Doncaster Rovers have already hinted they would take legal action if the hearing ruled in Leeds' favour.