Massimo Cellino has lost his appeal against the English Football League’s decision to disqualify him as owner of Leeds United.
The former Cagliari owner’s suspension from the post of chairman of Leeds United until April 10 has today been confirmed. The ban had been imposed in December following the notification to the British authorities that Cellino has been convicted in Italy for tax evasion.
The Professional Conduct Committee has determined that Cellino was guilty of “acts of dishonesty”, and according to the rules of English football, the suspension has been upheld.
The 58-year-old Italian is prohibited from having any input into the running of the Championship club until 10 April 2015. Leeds are currently struggling at the bottom end of the Championship table in 20th position.
Leeds are also placed under a transfer embargo for breaching Financial Fair Play rules at present, and cannot pay any transfer fees for players during the January transfer window.
