Former Cagliari owner Massimo Cellino has been disqualified from owning Leeds United by the Football League.
The Italian took over the English Championship club in April this year, but the Football League has announced that the owner has failed its Owners’ and Directors’ Test after receiving a detailed summary from an Italian court which convicted Cellino of tax evasion.
Former Cagliari owner Massimo Cellino has been disqualified from owning Leeds United by the Football League.
The Italian took over the English Championship club in April this year, but the Football League has announced that the owner has failed its Owners’ and Directors’ Test after receiving a detailed summary from an Italian court which convicted Cellino of tax evasion.
Cellino was initially barred from taking over the Elland Road side, but was allowed to acquire the club after winning an appeal. The 58-year-old has not been deemed fit to continue as Leeds President, though the ruling can be appealed.
“At its meeting last week, the Board considered the reasoned Judgment of the Italian Court against Mr. Cellino, having successfully applied to the Italian Courts for its full disclosure,” the organisation confirmed on its website.
“The Board considered detailed legal advice and agreed unanimously (with the exception of its Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, who did not take part in the debate or vote having declared an interest) that Mr. Cellino is subject to a disqualifying condition under the terms of the Test.
“Mr. Cellino is entitled to appeal the Board's decision to the PCC within 14 days. As the Judgment of the Italian Court has not been published in Italy, The Football League will not make any of its contents public.”
Cellino owned Cagliari from 1992 until June this year, when he sold the club to the chemical company Fluorsid for €45m.