Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has officially resigned his position at the club, but says he will be back in April.
The former Cagliari owner purchased 75 per cent of the club's shares in February 2014, but legal trouble from Italy followed him.
Cellino was disqualified last December by the Football League for tax evasion in Italy, and this week saw his appeal against a ban handed out rejected.
Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has officially resigned his position at the club, but says he will be back in April.
The former Cagliari owner purchased 75 per cent of the club's shares in February 2014, but legal trouble from Italy followed him.
Cellino was disqualified last December by the Football League for tax evasion in Italy, and this week saw his appeal against a ban handed out rejected.
Subsequently, the former Cagliari owner and President has stepped down until April.
“It is with great sadness and frustration that I have to take this step, however I abide by the Football League's decision to disqualify me,” Cellino is quoted through a statement released by Leeds United.
“I will return to this great football club in April in good health and good spirits.
“I have done my best for a club and fans that I hold close to my heart and it is now financially much stronger than it has been for a long time.”
The Football League also released a statement clarifying their position.
“The League has been notified by Leeds United that its President, Massimo Cellino, has resigned from his position in accordance with the recent decision of the PCC.
“In addition, a further misconduct charge against Mr. Cellino and the club for failing to supply the Italian Court judgment to The Football League when it first became available will be heard by a Football Disciplinary Commission in due course.”
Leeds United, who will be headed by director Andrew Umbers in the meantime, are also under a transfer embargo and will not be able to operate on the market for breaching Financial Fair Play rules.