By Andrew Warshaw
April 7 – English football’s guidelines designed to prevent anyone with a suspect or unscrupulous background taking over its clubs have been plunged into farce after Italian entrepreneur Massimo Cellino was cleared to complete his takeover of Leeds United.
Cellino, who heads Eleonora Sports, agreed to buy a 75% stake in Leeds from Gulf Finance House Capital in February but the takeover was put in doubt when he was found guilty in March of tax evasion.
Although he vehemently denies any wrongdoing, Cellino has previous convictions and was disqualified from owning Leeds. Yet he somehow he won an appeal against the Football League’s decision and is understood to be preparing to officially seal the move today after a stunning legal victory over the governing body of the three English professional club divisions below the top flight .
Cellino, who also owns Calgiari, was in his homeland on Saturday when the decision to ban him was overturned by an independent QC on the basis that his conviction was not “dishonest” and did not breach the Football League’s Owners and Directors Test.
He plans to be at tomorrow’s match against Watford and Leeds managing director David Haigh, who will become chief executive under Cellino, said: “I have met with many potential investors and worked closely with them and I realised very quickly that Massimo is someone who has the attributes to take this club forward.
“He has a proven track record in Italy and I believe the introduction of Eleonora Sport, coupled with Massimo’s drive and determination, will be key to a successful and sustainable future.”
“It is an honour for me to come to England – and in particular Leeds – where the sense of justice has been demonstrated,” said Cellino, an agricultural entrepreneur who has pumped millions into Leeds already as he fought to take control. “Now it is my responsibility to follow my commitment up with deeds.”
In a statement, the Football League said: “We are disappointed at the outcome of the appeal hearing. This was never about individual personalities, but instead was a matter in which we were obliged to uphold the integrity of our regulations having considered the issue in detail with our advisors.
“It was always an extremely complex matter in which a different interpretation of a judgment made under Italian law could lead to an entirely different outcome in the context of our regulations. Ultimately this has proven to be the case.”
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