Report suggests Andrea Radrizzani unlikely to be put off Leeds takeover despite FA’s apparent ruling on Cellino

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A report has suggested that the current Leeds owner is facing an 18-month ban.

A report in the Yorkshire Evening Post has suggested that Andrea Radrizzani is unlikely to be put off in his attempts to invest in Leeds United, despite the Daily Mail suggesting that current Whites owner Massimo Cellino is facing an 18-month ban.

The Mail reports that Cellino is set to be found guilty by an FA commission over irregular payments relating to the transfer of Ross McCormack from Elland Road to Championship rivals Fulham in 2014.

Leeds owner Massimo Cellino

Though the Football Association are yet to release a statement of their own, and thus, it is still to be confirmed whether Cellino will receive a suspension, the Italian has released a statement on Leeds’ official website responding to the reports.

“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,” Cellino wrote on the club’s official website.

“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.”

Should the Mail’s suggestion that a suspension and fine is on its way come to fruition, some Leeds supporters would be forgiven for being concerned about what it means for the potential takeover involving Radrizzani.

However, the Yorkshire Evening Post have seemingly alleviated many of the potential concerns by suggesting that while Cellino’s potential ban may weaken his position when it comes to negotiating, the reported ruling does not appear set to do any damage to Radrizzani’s desire to get involved with the high-flying Championship side.