Leeds owner Massimo Cellino's ban delayed by Football League until after appeal
Friday 13 November 2015 16:03, UK
The Football League has confirmed Massimo Cellino will continue in his role as Leeds United owner until an appeal over his disqualification is heard.
In October, Cellino was banned for a second time for breaching the Football League's owners' and directors' regulations following a conviction for tax evasion.
Cellino, who has three further criminal cases against him still outstanding, submitted an appeal against this disqualification soon after.
On Friday, the Football League announced the League Arbitration Panel has delayed imposing the ban until his appeal is heard.
"The Football League can confirm that Leeds United President, Massimo Cellino has had his disqualification under The Football League's Owners' and Directors' Test stayed by the League Arbitration Panel appointed to hear his appeal - enabling Mr Cellino to continue in his present capacity at the club until the appeal process has concluded," a Football League statement read.
"This will not affect the length of any disqualification served by Mr Cellino in the vent that the League's decision is upheld, as he would then be required to serve a period equivalent to that which he would have served had he chosen not to appeal that matter.
"This would equate to 223 days, which is the length of time between his disqualification becoming effective (November 12, 2015) and his tax conviction in Italy becoming spent under English law (June 22, 2016)."
The 59-year-old, who took charge at Elland Road in April 2014, served a previous ban from January until May having been found guilty of failing to pay VAT on a yacht.
He pulled out of a potential sale of the club to supporters' consortium Leeds Fans United last week, but since confirmed to Sky Sports News HQ six prospective buyers have been in touch with his lawyers.
Prior to pulling out of a deal with LFU, Cellino stated his intention to no longer attend Leeds matches due to supporters' calls for him to leave the club.
Sky sources understand prospective buyer Steve Parkin has been asked to pay a deposit that would grant him exclusivity to buy the Championship club.
It is understood Parkin wants to purchase a 50 per cent stake, which would make him the majority stakeholder at the club.
