Leeds United owner Cellino has ban reduced to 12 months

Massimo Cellino, chairman and owner of Leeds United, has partially won his appeal against a ban by the Football Association.

The businessman, who recently sold half of his stake in Leeds United to fellow Italian Andrea Radrizzani, has had his ban commuted to 12 months instead of 18 months as was originally the FA’s judgement.

The football club’s fine for allegedly breaching FA rules in relation to the Ross McCormack transfer in 2014 has also been reduced to £200,000 from £250,000.

The club said that despite the reduced sentence, it remains “disappointed by the outcome and the size of the fine that remains.”

It said: “The Club are also incredibly disappointed by the fine and ban imposed upon Mr Cellino, despite reductions following the Appeal.

“Mr Cellino is responsible for significantly reducing the Club’s debt and wage bill as well as the appointment of Garry Monk. Mr Cellino has been the integral leader of the Club’s re-emergence this season.

“The Club will now consider all options with its legal team before making any further comment.”