Leeds owner Massimo Cellino expresses surprise at possible FA ban
Wednesday 7 December 2016 20:05, UK
Leeds owner Massimo Cellino has expressed his surprise at a claim he is facing a ban and a fine in relation to the transfer of Ross McCormack to Fulham in 2014.
The Daily Mail reported the Italian would be suspended from football for 18 months and both he and the club would be fined £250,000 after being found guilty of breaching Football Association regulations.
But Cellino once again protested his innocence in a statement released by the club on Wednesday evening.
"I am surprised to read the news regarding the FA's intentions to ban and fine me, as well as fine the club," he said.
"I am not guilty and I will take the right steps to defend myself through the tribunal.
"I feel that I am guilty of one thing, protecting Leeds United since I took charge of the club.
"I ask the players, manager and my staff to continue to work with loyalty and professionalism and to keep fighting for the club everyday on and off the pitch.
"I am sure that the public in this country and the free press will take the time to look into this case and find the truth."
Leeds and Cellino were charged in May for breaching the FA's football agent regulations when they sold McCormack in July 2014 in a deal worth £11m.
Cellino has divided the Elland Road fanbase during his two-and-a-half-year tenure with the sacking of six coaches and a number of off-the-field incidents.
The 60-year-old was suspended by the Football League in 2014 after being found guilty of tax evasion in his homeland and this year had another ban overturned.
Cellino's company Eleonora Sport took full control of Leeds in September but there has been growing speculation over his future at the club in recent months.
Italian businessman Andrea Radrizzani last week confirmed his interest in a 50 per cent share of Leeds with a view to buying the Sky Bet Championship club outright next summer.
The co-founder of media rights group MP & Silva claimed he was in "advanced negotiations" with Cellino.
On the field, Leeds are enjoying a much-improved season under Garry Monk, who took over from Steve Evans in the summer.
Monk's side are fourth in the Championship ahead of Friday's trip to second-placed Brighton, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm, in the first match of Sky Sports' EFL 10 in 10.
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