Leeds will not select Johnson in their final three Championship fixtures of the season as they are concerned about his injury record and are believed to be assessing the player's long-term future at Elland Road.
Derby are not willing to accept the situation and they have made strong representation to the League asking if Leeds are contravening Rule 21.1 that says a club must field its strongest available team.
The rule states: "Each club shall play its full strength in all matches played under the auspices of the League unless some satisfactory reason is given. In the event of the explanation not being deemed satisfactory, the Board shall refer the matter to the Football Disciplinary Commission, which has the power to impose such penalties as it sees fit."
Derby feel that if Johnson is in Leeds' strongest team, then leaving him out to avoid such a payment is not a valid reason.