So Massimo Cellino' s lawyers were better than the ones employed by the FL and he has been given permission to complete his takeover of Leeds. A Football League spokesman said: âWe 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. The independent QC has concluded that Mr. Cellinoâs recent conviction in the Sardinian Court did not involve conduct that would âreasonably be considered to be dishonestâ based on information available to him at the current time." Far too often the FL have approved prospective owners such as Baz and it has come back to haunt them. This time they appeared to take a stand and refuse someone with old and new history, but have lost an appeal that someone is entitled to ask for under their own rule book. Just where do they go from here? All they can say at present is âThe Football League will now consider the findings of the hearing.â It seems to me that either they stop the right of appeal, not a good PR option, or they give up on trying to vet prospective owners. Certainly while the appeal decision was being waited from the FL they attracted some vilification from the fans who seemed to think that they were being victimized because of who they are. Is it time for the FL to consider just what their role in the game is currently and should it change?
Trouble is once you let one iffy owner in they all want a bit of the cake and think its their right to join.
If that doesn't smack of stupidity and/or corruption, I don't know what does. I guess time will tell if it is a wise decision - and if it proves not to be, well all we'll know is that nothing will change, the FL being totally ineffectual. I wonder if the FA should hit them with a 'bringing the game into disrepute' charge, as that's all they appear to be doing.
The case used by his lawyers showed up the difference between English and Italian law as I understand it. If you are convicted of an offence in England you are guilty and remain so until your appeal is heard. If you win your appeal that guilt is then removed. Under Italian law you can be found guilty, then if you lodge an appeal you are not guilty until the conviction is upheld. That could be the reason why the QC used the words " at the current time". It is fairly obvious that Cellino is a character who sails close to the wind, and from time to time ignores the law if he thinks he can get away with it. The trouble with the legal system is, that as shown in this case, only papers and statements made relating directly to a case can be considered. No previous history is relevant. I cannot believe that the relationship between the club and FL will improve as a result of this case.
But what bearing does how Italian law view him have on this case? If the FL are serious about their rules, they surely have the right, or even the obligation, to say to such characters "come back when your court case has been finalised". If his conviction is upheld can we expect them to retrospectively apply their rules and withdraw their approval? Somehow I doubt that, and would be greeted with two fingers anyway. I still think that this smacks simply of 'money talks' and that some palms have been greased.
It does seem like the FL have no power to stop people coming in - they'll just go to the high court and get such a ruling overturned.
Not sure how bothered the FL will be about this really... If the boss turns out to be a crook and screws Leeds over, they will just shrg their shoulders and say they refused him and it was over-turned If he does well for them, they will just say they had no choice but the right decision was made in the end! At least if it does all go wrong, the Leeds fans can't blame the FL on this one!
