Former Leeds chairman comments after Massimo Cellino’s ban.
Leeds United chairman Massimo Cellino has been told by the FA that he is to be banned and fined for breaching regulations of payments to agents.
Cellino himself has told the club website he intends to appeal the 18 month ban.
Leeds United Chairman Massimo Cellino
Former Leeds chairman Ken Bates has given his view to Radio Yorkshire, telling the station he owns that he believes there is now an immediate question over the planned investment in the club from Andrea Radrizzani.
Radrizzani confirmed to the Strait Times last week he plans to invest in buying 50 per cent of the club and potentially a full scale buyout at the end of the season.
Bates said: “Massimo will appeal against it, it shouldnt affect the club (on the pitch) unduly.
“It will raise a question over this alleged deal with the Italian in Singapore. If it doesn’t, then Massimo will have to find some frontman for 18 months to run the club in his absence. It’s unnecessary turmoil, a pity, as it takes away the shine, the gloss, the club is having.”
Leeds are currently in fourth place in the Championship and hoping to win promotion to the Premier League.
Despite Bates’ concerns, the fears he raises may be misplaced.
The FA sanctions for Cellino have been hanging over him for a while, and a contingency plan would have been prepared for. If anything, it makes the need for Radrizzani to get involved even greater, and could speed up his purchase of the club if Cellino is effectively sidelined.
A report in the Yorkshire Evening Post states Radrizzani is unlikely to be deterred from his plan by the Cellino developments.
General view of a protest against Leeds owner Massimo Cellino at Elland Road
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