Football League - arses: An independent QC has overturned the decision by the Board of The Football League that Massimo Cellino is subject to a disqualifying condition under its Owners' and Directors' Test. A Football League spokesman said: "We are disappointed at the outcome of the appeal hearing, however we would like to thank the independent QC for his diligence in reviewing this decision. "This was never about individual personalities, but instead was a matter in which we were obliged to uphold the integrity of our regulations having considered the issue in detail with our advisors. "It was always an extremely complex matter in which a different interpretation of a judgment made under Italian law could lead to an entirely different outcome in the context of our regulations. Ultimately this has proven to be the case. "The independent QC has concluded that Mr. Cellino's recent conviction in the Sardinian Court did not involve conduct that would 'reasonably be considered to be dishonest' based on information available to him at the current time. "The Football League will now consider the findings of the hearing."
There is no further appeals in the fl process and rules. They could ask for judicial review but they would be liable for costs, and they would have to win the argument the QC they appointed made decision that was legally flawed. Never going to happen! They will tighten up the rules for the future, and probably put more than one appeal stage in place.... We won't care....
The only small problem you have now is that if his appeal against the tax evasion case sticks, and by some miracle you get promoted from the Championship in 7 or 8 years time, he will not pass the f&p test for the Premiership, so promotion would not be possible unless he sells
If we got promoted there would be no problem selling with the massive Premiership money that comes in.
Full judgment here - http://www.football-league.co.uk/staticFiles/17/c1/0,,10794~180503,00.pdf The FL really tried to screw Cellino over and effectively demanded that the judge throw out evidence by other independents. He is deemd to be convicted, but he is not dishonest - it is the latter that has helped him. But the FL will be looking to screw us at any and every opportunity in the future "Ciao & Forza Leeds"
I laughed when I read that the FL were disappointed. Why would you be disappointed if it was an unbiased, motive-free judgement? You would be thankful that a legal expert put you on the right track and you avoided being sued. But then of course, the FL WERE disappointed because they WERE biased and all the members had an interest in keeping Leeds in the FL. Well **** you FL, the farcical excuse of not paying import duty on a yacht has been shown to be a flimsy piece of connivance. And as for the Premiership - if they can let Abramovich in, who committed corporate fraud, bribery and theft in his dealings with and the accumulation of shares in Sibneft, then they will let anyone in.
