Leeds Utd crisis blog: League delays decision on Cellino appeal

A DECISION on Massimo Cellino’s appeal against an attempt by Football League to bar him from buying Leeds United has been delayed, the Yorkshire Post understands.

By The Newsroom

Published 4th Apr 2014, 12:22 BST

Cellino, the club and the Football League were prepared for a 6pm announcement today from Tim Kerr, the independent QC judging Cellino’s appeal.

All parties were informed yesterday afternoon that Cellino would receive a verdict from Kerr this evening but sources have said that the deadline has now been moved back.

None of those involved in the appeal would comment on why the case had been delayed.

Cellino’s challenge was considered by Kerr during a six-hour hearing in London on Monday but the QC reserved judgement while he considered the evidence.

The Football League announced a fortnight ago that Cellino had failed its Owners and Directors Test on the grounds of a conviction for tax evasion imposed on him in Sardinia last month.

Cellino, who agreed a £25m buy-out of Leeds owner Gulf Finance House at the end of January, is fighting to overturn that verdict and force through his takeover.