Leeds United and its club owner sanctioned for breaching FA regulations
Leeds United and the club’s owner Massimo Cellino have each been fined £250,000 for breaching The FA’s Football Agent Regulations.
Leeds United and the club’s owner Massimo Cellino have each been fined £250,000 for breaching The FA’s Football Agent Regulations.
The charges relate to the transaction involving the transfer of Ross McCormack from Leeds to Fulham in July 2014.
Mr Cellino has been suspended for 18 months, with effect from February 2017, from being a director or shadow director of Leeds United or any other football club.
The sanctions also require The Whites owner to attend and complete an FA education programme, which covers the duties and responsibilities of an owner and director of an English football club.
In relation to the same matter, authorised agent Derek Day has been fined £75,000 after admitting to breaches of The FA’s Football Agent Regulations.
Cellino has already stated his innocence and vowed to defend himself, saying in a statement: "I am surprised to read the news regarding the FA’s intentions to ban and fine me, as well as fine the Club. I am not guilty and I will take the right steps to defend myself through the tribunal."
"I feel that I am guilty of one thing, protecting Leeds United since I took charge of the Club. I ask the players, manager and my staff to continue to work with loyalty and professionalism and to keep fighting for the Club everyday on and off the pitch."
"I am sure that the public in this country and the free press will take the time to look into this case and find the truth."