The Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino can resume his role at the club for the time being after the Football League delayed his ban until after the Italian’s appeal.
Cellino was last month suspended for a second time for breaching the league’s owners and directors rules following a conviction for tax evasion this year, a decision the owner is contesting. However, the Football League’s arbitration panel appointed to hear his appeal has stayed the suspension, enabling him to continue until the appeal process is completed.
A Football League statement said: “This would not affect the length of any disqualification served by Mr Cellino in the event 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 not chosen to appeal the matter.”
The term of such a sentence would be 223 days, the League said, which would equate to the time between his disqualification becoming effective, 12 November, to 22 June next year, when his tax conviction in Italy becomes spent.
The league has set no date for the completion of the appeal.
Cellino has expressed his desire to sell the club but talks over a sale to the supporters’ organisation Leeds Fans United have broken down with the group accusing the Italian of reneging on his offer.
.png?w=600)
