Leeds United’s Massimo Cellino has ban extended

MASSIMO CELLINO has had his disqualification from Leeds United extended to the end of the season.

In January, the Football League disqualified him from running the Championship club until April 10 but the League has now said it has “settled the outstanding disciplinary proceedings” against Mr Cellino and the club and he can return on May 3.

Mr Cellino had been banned by the League in relation to a conviction in an Italian court.

In an open letter to fans Mr Cellino said last month he had decided not to return as president after his unsuccessful appeal against the disqualification.

Announcing plans to contest further action by the Football League, he said stepping away from the club would get him greater freedom to do this effectively.

The Football League and Leeds United said: “The Football League, Leeds United and Massimo Cellino have settled the outstanding disciplinary proceedings relating to the club’s non disclosure of the Italian Court’s judgement regarding Mr Cellino as required under League regulations.

“The club and Mr Cellino have decided in the interests of the club, its players and supporters not to contest this charge. As a result, Mr Cellino’s period of disqualification as a ‘relevant person’, as defined by the regulations, has now been extended from April 10 until May 3, the day after the conclusion of the 2014/15 league season.

“Mr Cellino’s right to challenge the decision of the Professional Conduct Committee under Football Association Rule K is unaffected by this settlement.”

A Football Association Rule K hearing would see Cellino take the Football League to an independent arbitration tribunal.