Massimo Cellino can confirm that his Appeal of the initial Decision of the FA Regulatory Commission for allegedly breaching FA Agents Regulations has been partially successful. The fine imposed upon Mr Cellino has been reduced from £250,000 to £100,000 and the length of ban has been reduced from 18 months to 12 months.
Leeds United's Appeal was also partially successful, which resulted in the Club’s fine being reduced from £250,000 to £200,000.
Despite these reductions, Mr Cellino remains disappointed yet not surprised by the outcome of the Appeal. Mr Cellino will take the matter further and will appeal this matter under Rule K of the FA’s Arbitration Regulations. Mr Cellino expected that the Appeal would be successful but he is of the view that he will not receive true justice and a fair outcome until this matter ultimately reaches a High Court and a truly independent process and hearing.
Recently, Mr Cellino’s conviction regarding the yacht, Nellie, was quashed which resulted in a not guilty finding. It was this matter which was responsible for Mr Cellino receiving an initial ban from the EFL. Mr Cellino took the decision to accept this ban for the good of the Club and did not take the Nellie matter to the High Court. Mr Cellino, will this time take this matter forward until this situation is independently heard which Mr Cellino strongly believes will result in him being found to be not guilty of any breaches of the FA’s Rules and Regulations and which will subsequently result in all sanctions being quashed.
It is important to note, that no other Club Official, Director, Chairman or Owner have ever been joined in as a Party to any other alleged FA Agents Regulations breaches. Also, no fines have ever been issued over and above £100,000. The original Decision and now the Appeal Decision are so excessive and disproportionate, that Mr Cellino feels, like he always has, duty bound to continue the fight against such injustice for the good of the Club and its supporters.
Additionally, Mr Cellino has been concerned throughout this process not just about the true independence of the FA but also about the consistent and numerous leaks of information connected to this matter leaking to the media. Again, this week, it is clear that information about today’s Appeal Decision has made its way to the media even before Mr Cellino knew of the final outcome. This is simply unacceptable. Mr Cellino believes this is evidence of the whole process being flawed.
Mr Cellino now perceives that as a result of him challenging the EFL’s international and domestic broadcasting arrangements, he is now a target for unfair allegations. Mr Cellino repeats that the only charge he is guilty of is for fighting to protect the interests of Leeds United.
In the meantime Mr Cellino would like to assure all of the Club’s stakeholders, employees and importantly, supporters, that the Club will continue to drive forward this season.
Mr Cellino will make no further comment at this time.
