Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has officially resigned his position as chairman at the club, but says he will be back in April.
The former Cagliari patron has been barred under the league’s owners’ and directors’ test following a first-grade conviction in Italy for import tax evasion on a boat, the Nelie, and had an appeal against his disqualification in December upheld after an appeal earlier this week.
“It is with great sadness and frustration that I have to take this step, however I abide by the Football League’s decision to temporarily disqualify me from this great football club and will return in April in good health and good spirits,” the 58-year-old said in an official club statement.
“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.
“It will continue to thrive and I am sincerely looking forward to returning very soon.”
Cellino will be allowed to resume his role after 10 April as his conviction will be deemed to be spent.
However, the league is investigating a potential further misconduct charge against him for failing to disclose the relevant court document when it first came available, with further sanctions likely.
The English Championship side, 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.
