Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Massimo Cellino: My thoughts on potential 18-month ban and £250k Leeds fine
LEEDS owner Massimo Cellino says he is surprised by claims he is facing a ban and a fine regarding the transfer of Ross McCormack to Fulham in 2014.
Massimo Cellino surprised by talk of 18-month ban
The Daily Mail reported the Italian would be suspended from football for 18 months and both he and the club would be fined £250,000 after being found guilty of breaching Football Association regulations.
Leeds and Cellino were charged in May for breaching the FA's football agent laws when they sold McCormack in July 2014 in a deal worth £11million.
But Cellino once again protested his innocence in a statement released by the club.
Massimo Cellino and Leeds were charged by FA following Ross McCormack sale to Fulham
"I am surprised to read the news regarding the FA's intentions to ban and fine me, as well as fine the club," he said.
"I am not guilty and I will take the right steps to defend myself through the tribunal.
"I feel that I am guilty of one thing, protecting Leeds United since I took charge of the club.
"I ask the players, manager and my staff to continue to work with loyalty and professionalism and to keep fighting for the club everyday on and off the pitch.
Massimo Cellino insists he is not guilty of breaching FA regulations
"I am sure that the public in this country and the free press will take the time to look into this case and find the truth."
Cellino has divided the Elland Road supporters during his two-and-a-half-year tenure with the sacking of six coaches and a number of off-the-field incidents.
The 60-year-old was suspended by the Football League in 2014 after being found guilty of tax evasion in his homeland and this year had another ban overturned.