Leeds today joined the unwanted race for a place in next season's Intertoto Cup, but with hopes still high of avoiding the summer competition.
"With the deadline on Monday, we have submitted our application to the Football Association - by both fax and hard copy - to compete in next season's Intertoto Cup," stated Leeds Chariman Peter Ridsdale.
"Entering the Intertoto Cup is our only way of playing in Europe next season if we don't qualify for the Champions League or UEFA Cup, although of course we still hope we don't have to go down that route."
Just 10 months after reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League, Ridsdale has confirmed Leeds have joined Aston Villa and Ipswich in applying to compete in the Intertoto Cup.
Ridsdale has already made it clear Leeds have to be playing in Europe at all costs given the considerable amount of money spent by manager David O'Leary in the transfer market, and to cover the expense of a rapidly-escalating wage bill.
Leeds still covet a return to the Champions League, but that is looking a remote prospect as they currently languish in sixth in the Barclaycard Premiership, eight points adrift of the top four who are all guaranteed entry into the continent's top club tournament.
PA