Leeds United were plunged into limbo yesterday when Italian Massimo Cellino’s appeal against a ruling disqualifying him from owning the club was rejected.

The Football League originally banned 58-year-old Cellino in December for failing their “fit and proper person’s test” for running a club after he was found guilty of tax evasion in an Italian court last year.

He was initially given until Dec. 29 to resign as director of the club but was allowed to continue until after the appeal.

In a statement Leeds said they were “surprised and disappointed” by the verdict, but would continue to take legal advice.

“Mr Cellino would like to thank the fans, sponsors and members of the wider footballing community that have given him overwhelming support, not just since the disqualifying order was issued but since he arrived at the club,” the club said.

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