Massimo Cellino has announced that he will not return to Leeds United in April when his Football League ban ends.
The Italian has said that he will fight to clear his name rather than return immediately to the running of Yorkshire club and he said that he waited until the club was safe from relegation before making his intensions clear so as not to upset the squad’s harmony.
“For the reason above said, at first I suggested that my intention was to resume in April the office of President of Leeds United Football Club after expiration of the disqualification term,” began Cellino’s statement on Leeds’ official website.
“I will not do so and I had actually decided not to do so in January already, soon after the confirmation by the Football League of its verdict.”
“After a due process, I have also sold – with a clear harm to my interests – a minority stake in the club, so that in no way I could be prevented from freely acting as an independent citizen and individual before any authority.”
Cellino went on to express his disappointment on the basis that the Football League had suspended him for a conviction which counts for little in his native Italy.
“My decision has developed because I have realised that about one year ago I had been admitted as President of the club when the latter was very close to insolvency.”
“Only after my restructuring activities and the material funding by the new corporate member I found myself expelled from the club on the basis of interpretation and immediate application of an Italian measure that, although in Italy is ineffective and subject to reasonable cancellation, the Football League has elected to enforce under its own rules.”
Cellino finished by thanking all at Leeds for their support as he attempts to clear his name from outside of Elland Road.
“I may be free of defending myself as any normal citizen, and I will not hesitate to do so before any authority because of my honesty, my commitment and due care to the club for which I have already invested one year of hard work.
“I am also called to honour team that I have loved and for all the support and attachment I have received from fans, players, employees, contractors and professionals who have been close to me and I wish to thank once again.”
