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Cellino confirms resignation from Leeds United

58 year old Massimo Cellino has confirmed his resignation as president of Leeds United at Elland Road, starting a 79 day ban as owner of the club.

Cellino, whose firm Eleonora Sport Ltd. owns 75% of the club has been forced to leave Leeds temporarily after losing an appeal against a Football League ruling disqualifying him from running the Championship side.

The ex-Cagliari owner has been banned by the governing body over a conviction for tax evasion imposed on him in Italy last year, and will have no control over the club until April.

His appeal against the League’s decision was rejected by a Professional Conduct Committee on Monday.

Andrew Umbers, a club director and the financier who arranged the sale of Leeds from Ken Bates to Gulf Finance House in 2012 has been appointed temporary chairman in Cellino’s absence.

Recently-appointed chief operating officer Matt Child will also handle day-to-day operations while Cellino serves his ban.

In a statement, the Italian said: “It is with great sadness and frustration that I have to take this step, however I abide by the Football League’s decision to temporarily disqualify me from this great football club and will return in April in good health and good spirits.

“I have done my best for a club and fans that I hold close to my heart and it is now financially much stronger than it has been for a long time. It will continue to thrive and I am sincerely looking forward to returning very soon.”

The League said in a statement: “The Football League has been notified by Leeds United that its President, Massimo Cellino, has resigned from his position in accordance with with the recent decision of the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC).

“The PCC determined that Mr. Cellino is disqualified from acting as a ‘Relevant Person’, as defined under Football League regulations, until 10th April 2015. Both Leeds United and Mr. Cellino are fully aware of The Football League’s requirements emanating from the PCC’s decision and we are currently working with the Club to ensure that these are achieved.

“In addition, a further misconduct charge against Mr. Cellino and the Club for failing to supply the Italian Court judgment to The Football League when it first became available will be heard by a Football Disciplinary Commission in due course.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .