Leeds United’s colourful owner Massimo Cellino has been booted out of the club after the Football League disqualified him from the club citing its owner’s and director’s test.
The Football League says it has seen new evidence of tax evasion in his native Italy centering around import tax on a luxury yacht and has banned the owner, who says he has £20m to invest in the club.
The Board of Directors of The Football League has, once again, considered the position of Leeds United President, Massimo Cellino, under its Owners’ and Directors’ Test.
Previously (March 2014), the Board had ruled that Mr. Cellino was subject to a disqualifying condition after he was found guilty of an offence under Italian tax legislation relating to the non-payment of import duties on a boat (which resulted in him being fined €600,000). In April 2014, this decision was successfully appealed by Mr. Cellino at a hearing of the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) chaired by an independent QC (sitting alone).
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 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.
Read more at http://www.football-league.co.uk/news/article/2014/football-league-statement-massimo-cellino-2115682.aspx#dfZ0XeagfdVZbiLX.99- Football League statement
However, with Cellino set to appeal and a return date of March 2015 likely, rumours of the Championship club’s demise have probably been greatly exaggerated.
That hasn’t stopped fans of rival clubs declaring the end for the side that sits 15th in the Championship table, after decades of often hilarious mismanagement.
Bye Bye Leeds — Harry (@harry1eye) December 1, 2014
Fuck sake, Leeds United really are an absolute shambles!! How can an owner be disqualified…..Brilliant and funny.
— Skeems (@Skeems1) December 1, 2014
Oh dear dirty Leeds in turmoil again LMFAO
— liam (@lithlare2) December 1, 2014
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