England: The Football League rejects takeover of Leeds United by Massimo Cellino

The Football League rejected the attempted takeover of Leeds United (Championship, British 2^nd Division) by Italian businessman Massimo Cellino, convicted by the Italian courts for tax evasion, announced the organisation on 24/03/2014.

"Having fully considered the matter, the board agreed unanimously that the decision of the Italian court does constitute a disqualifying condition ... Massimo Cellino has been convicted of an offence involving acts that would reasonably be considered to be dishonest," said the league that runs the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th English divisions.

Massimo Cellino was convicted of tax fraud by a court in Sardinia, for non-payment of customs duties (€388,000) on the importation of a yacht from the United States in June 2012. He was sentenced to a fine of €600,000 and his boat was confiscated.

Massimo Cellino, also owner of Cagliari Calcio (Serie A), had already invested €2.4m in the English club. He announced on 24/03/2014 an intention to appeal the decision of the Football League, "I have to appeal. I feel a responsibility to the fans who I am proud to say wanted…