FA disqualify Leeds president Massimo Cellino hours after manager Uwe Rosler was sacked

Massimo Cellino has been disqualified by the FA

MASSIMO CELLINO has been disqualified by the FA as president of Leeds United under its Owners' and Directors' test.

 

The Football League came to the decision after discussing Cellino's court case in Sardinia, in which he was found guilty of the non-payment of VAT.

The Italian was found to have breached the rules following the importation of a Land Rover vehicle in June.

And, in accordance with the FA's Owners' and Directors' test, it has been ruled that he be disqualified as Leeds president.

An FA statement read: "In June, Mr Cellino was found guilty by a Court in Sardinia of an offence under Italian tax legislation relating to the non-payment of VAT on the importation of a Land Rover vehicle.  

"This resulted in a fine of €40,000 and the confiscation of the vehicle in question. 

"Having considered detailed legal advice and the Court’s reasoned judgment, as supplied by Mr Cellino, the Board determined that the decision of the Italian Court constitutes a disqualifying condition under the Owners' and Directors' test.

 

Massimo Cellino's Leeds United are struggling this season - sitting 18th in the Championship

"Mr Cellino has until October 28 to appeal against the Board's decision.  Any such appeal would be heard by an independent panel. 

"The League will make no further comment at this time."

The news comes just hours after manager Uwe Rosler was let go by the club and replaced with former Crawley and Rotherham boss Steve Evans.

Rosler was dispatched after just 12 games in charge, with defeat to Brighton the final nail in the coffin, leaving the Whites in 18th place in the league.

 

Uwe Rosler was let go by Leeds today

"I wanted them to play heavy rock football but instead it was like country music," Cellino said.

"I watched the game on Saturday and in the second half, we were just trying not to lose. We were not trying to win. That is not good enough.

"I did my best to help Uwe, but in the end, I could not see even a patch of blue in the sky, just cloud, cloud and cloud."

However, despite the German's brief spell at the club, Cellino insists his relationship with the former boss remains on good terms.

 



Former Rotherham boss Steve Evans has taken over at Leeds



He added: "I would like to thank Uwe for the effort and commitment he showed during his time here.

"He was incredibly professional throughout and we had a strong working relationship. 

“Unfortunately, results didn’t work out for him here and we are now looking elsewhere. 

 

“Uwe leaves on good terms and everybody at Leeds United wishes him well for the future.”