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Page last updated at 13:32 GMT, Wednesday, 23 April 2008 14:32 UK

Martinez wants League One trophy

Swansea players celebrated after the final whistle last Saturday
Swansea players celebrated after the final whistle last Saturday

Roberto Martinez says Swansea City should be presented with the League One trophy on Saturday.

The Swans were crowned champions last weekend after nearest rivals Carlisle lost.

But the Football League has refused to hand over the trophy until the outcome of Leeds United's arbitration hearing over a 15-point deduction.

"It is a clear example of a very unfortunate situation," Martinez told BBC Radio Wales.

Should Leeds win, they could still be in the running for the title.

But Martinez said: "You do not see any league in the world with anything of this nature which is still undecided with two games to go.

"But all I represent is the football side and that is that we are top of the league.

"We played some outstanding football this year, we've got the recognition of many, many managers and in that respect we are promoted."

He added: "I feel sorry for the teams that are fighting for second spot because they don't know if they are fighting that second spot and that's terrible.

"It's putting the game into disrepute to an extent."

Leyton Orient visit the Liberty Stadium on Saturday for Swansea's last home game of the season.

And Martinez said: "We are champions and on Saturday we should celebrate as champions and nobody should take that away from us.

"If then a decision goes against it, the so be it, but that is down to the league."

606: DEBATE

A statement from the Football League said: "Following legal advice, the Football League will not present the League One trophy to Swansea City at their match with Leyton Orient.

"This is due to the ongoing arbitration hearing involving Leeds United.

"The panel in the hearing have committed to provide a verdict on or before 1 May and the League has been advised not to engage in any actions which might be misconstrued or viewed as pre-empting the arbitration process in any way.''


see also
Martinez agrees 'improved' deal
23 Apr 08 |  Swansea City
Bus city parade for Swans champs
21 Apr 08 |  South west
Swans dream came true - Martinez
20 Apr 08 |  Swansea City
Mixed years for Martinez
19 Apr 08 |  Swansea City
Swansea champions despite defeat
19 Apr 08 |  League One
Martinez is the toast of Swansea
13 Apr 08 |  Swansea City
The Swans are going up!
12 Apr 08 |  Welsh
BBC Sport Wales coverage
24 Dec 06 |  Wales


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