Cellino’s 18-month ban from Leeds United suspended

Owner and chairman of Leeds United, Massimo Cellino, has had his 18-month ban by the Football Association suspended.

Cellino launched an appeal against the ban, his third since taking on Leeds United in April 2014.

This particular one was in relation to the transfer of Ross McCormack from the club to Fulham FC in July 2014. He and the club allegedly breached regulations in relation to the transfer and both were accused of making ‘illegal’ payments during the £10.75m transfer.

Both were given a £250,000 fine each and Cellino was due to start his ban on February 1.

The club confirmed it was also appealing against its fine.

In a statement on their website the club said: “As stated in his message to supporters following the initial decision, Mr Cellino has lodged an appeal to overturn the guilty verdict and any sanctions imposed upon Mr Cellino by the FA will be held/suspended until the appeal has been heard and a verdict has been found.

“We can also confirm that the Club has lodged an appeal in relation to the sanctions that were imposed directly on us. We are confident that the appeals will be successful.

“Everybody at the Club is completely focused on supporting Garry Monk and his team for the rest of this season. The Club will make no further comment on Mr Cellino’s appeal until the process is complete.”

A 50% stake in Leeds United was acquired by Italian businessman Andrea Radrizzani earlier this month, with suggestions that Cellino is looking to exit the club after a turbulent few years at the helm.