Massimo Cellino reinstated as Leeds United’s chairman

Controversial Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has returned to the football club’s board after being granted permission by the Football League.

After Mr Cellino’s suspension was lifted, he passed the Football League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test and immediately took up the role of chairman, BBC reported.

The Italian businessman was banned from having any managing role in Leeds United after being found guilty of tax evasion in Italy late last year.

In January, Mr Cellino lost his appealagainst against the Football League’s decision to disqualify him from owning the club, but he was eventually successful in overturning the Football League’s decision last month.

Although the Yorkshire club now has its chairman back, there is still uncertainty surrounding the future of head coach Neil Redfearn, whose contract expires this summer.

Mr Cellino has even admitted he isn’t sure if Redfern will return next season.

He said: “I need to decide whether Neil is best for the club and can lead us back to the Premier League. I am in love with Neil and I don’t want to talk to anyone else about the job. I made sure he had a clause guaranteeing he would pick the team because I don’t want a coach I control.”

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