Leeds Chief Cellino dropped by the Football League

Massimo Cellino has been sensationally expelled by the football league, after it emerged they were handed new evidence by an Italian court which helped to prove his involvement in tax evasion, hence leading to him failing a “fit and proper persons test” for owning a football club.

Leeds have had a turbulent start to life under Massimo Cellino, and while there has never been a dull moment under the stewardship of the charismatic Italian, the club currently sits in 15th place in the Championship, and are 14/1 with Coral for a top six finish this season.

It is understood that Cellino can appeal the decision, and could return to the club in March 2015. Leeds are said to be seeking legal advice, regarding this matter, after the Football League disqualified the Italian for a second time.

Last season, the first case brought against him was overturned by an independent committee in April, a month after he was initially ordered to step down, and made to pay a fine of £502,000 (600,000 euros) under Italian tax legislation which related to the non-payment of import duties on one of his boats.

A statement from the club, following the news said: “The steps that the League wishes the club to take — to remove Mr Cellino only to re-appoint him in three months’ time — will be destabilising for the club, its supporters and sponsors and cannot be in the best interests of any party.”

The news comes just days after the former owner of Serie A club Cagliari said he was going to invest a further £20m into the football club.

Leeds beat then Championship league leaders Derby 2-0 at Elland Road the same day, with one of Cellino’s summer signings Mirko Antenucci bagging a brace.

Under the Italian so far, Leeds have had a number of managerial changes, with Darko Milanic following David Hockaday out of the door, and academy chief Neil Redfearn promoted to first team boss.