With reports that Massimo Cellino, the owner in waiting of Leeds United, has been found guilty of tax evasion by the Italian Authorities, we take a look at what happens now and the impact on the club...
Firstly, it seems incredibly likely that the decision in Italy will mean Cellino now fails the Fit and Proper Director test with the Football League and an announcement to that effect should follow in days. The Football League gave themselves a ten day deadline last Thursday, so expect something by the end of this week, if not immediately.
What is unclear though is whether Cellino having leave to appeal will impact and delay that decision further. As of today, he has a conviction regardless of the appeal process, but how the Football League will judge that, especially based on their recent performance, is anyones guess.
Firstly, it seems incredibly likely that the decision in Italy will mean Cellino now fails the Fit and Proper Director test with the Football League and an announcement to that effect should follow in days. The Football League gave themselves a ten day deadline last Thursday, so expect something by the end of this week, if not immediately.
What is unclear though is whether Cellino having leave to appeal will impact and delay that decision further. As of today, he has a conviction regardless of the appeal process, but how the Football League will judge that, especially based on their recent performance, is anyones guess.
Next to consider is the ownership of Leeds United under Cellino. Was the Italian a named director with a significant stake, or was the fact the company he formed was set up in his daughters name and indication of some clever accounting to bypass any league test. What is clear from all quotes and statements from the Italian, is that Cellino was going to come in and run the club, so any technicalities in the wording shouldn't be accepted by the Football League, and if they are, it makes a mockery of their role in all of this.
Then we have the issue of money. If the Cellino bid is dead in the water with no way to bypass the Football League test, what happens to the money he has invested. He stated he wouldn't destroy the club by demanding it back, but saying and doing and two different things. Last week, David Haigh said the club was in no danger of financial collapse. It is not known if he feels the same way this morning!
Which then brings us back to the rival bidders, Farnan and Flowers. Dismissed by GFH-C when the riches of Cellino were flashed before them. Will they now be going back to the negotiating table with cap in hand, and perhaps a begging bowl as well.
There's a lot more to play out with this story yet!
Add your comments below or join us on the Unofficial Leeds United Message Board. Registration is quick and free...
(Please keep your comments friendly and family appropriate - offensive posts and language may be deleted)
Then we have the issue of money. If the Cellino bid is dead in the water with no way to bypass the Football League test, what happens to the money he has invested. He stated he wouldn't destroy the club by demanding it back, but saying and doing and two different things. Last week, David Haigh said the club was in no danger of financial collapse. It is not known if he feels the same way this morning!
Which then brings us back to the rival bidders, Farnan and Flowers. Dismissed by GFH-C when the riches of Cellino were flashed before them. Will they now be going back to the negotiating table with cap in hand, and perhaps a begging bowl as well.
There's a lot more to play out with this story yet!
Add your comments below or join us on the Unofficial Leeds United Message Board. Registration is quick and free...
(Please keep your comments friendly and family appropriate - offensive posts and language may be deleted)
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