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Massimo Cellino

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Massimo Cellino (Italian pronunciation: [ˈmasːimo tʃelː'iːno]; born 28 July 1956) is an Italian entrepreneur and football club owner. Through his family trust Eleonora Sport Ltd he is the majority shareholder and chairman of the English club Leeds United. [1]

Career

Cagliari Calcio

Cellino was the chairman of the Italian association football club Cagliari Calcio.[2] He has served as vice-president for Serie A in the Lega Calcio.

During his years as owner of Cagliari Calcio, Cellino was instrumental in the building of their sports centre in Assemini, near Cagliari, named after his father Ercole.[3]

Diego López was sacked by Cellino as Cagliari manager on 6 April 2014, this being the 36th manager change he went through in 22 years of his tenure at Cagliari Calcio. Cellino earned the nickname Il mangia-allenatori, "The Manager Eater".[4][5]

Cellino intended to sell Cagliari Calcio, and has said that an agreed sale failed due to the wish of the prospective buyers for him to stay and run the club. He finally sold the club to the Italian entrepreneur Tommaso Giulini on June 2014 after 22 years of ownership.[1]

Leeds United A.F.C.

In January 2014 speculation grew that Leeds would be subject to takeover by Cellino. A delegation representing Cellino was seen at Elland Road, Leeds' stadium, and the Thorp Arch training ground several times, and on 28 January it was reported that Cellino had asked for his associate and former Middlesbrough defender Gianluca Festa to sit in the dugout for Leeds' 1–1 draw with Ipswich.[6] Cellino had previously tried to buy West Ham United in 2010.[1]

On 31 January it was reported that Brian McDermott had been sacked as manager of the club, with Gianluca Festa speculated in the media as his most likely replacement.[7] The following day reports emerged suggesting Gulf Finance House (GFH) club directors were attempting to reinstate McDermott as manager, saying the Cellino family (the club's prospective new owners) had no authority to dismiss him.[8] On 1 February, McDermott's Elland Road assistant Nigel Gibbs was named as caretaker manager for the club's home derby against Huddersfield Town.[9] Following the game, the club released an official statement stating McDermott had not been dismissed and remained first team manager.[10]

After weeks of speculation the club announced, on 7 February 2014, that they had exchanged contracts with Cellino's family consortium Eleonora Sport Ltd. The deal would see the Cellino family acquire 75% ownership of the club, subject to approval from the Football League.[11][12] The Football League rejected the proposal on 24 March 2014, stating that Cellino failed the owner's test.[13]

Cellino exercised his right to appeal the Football Leagues's decision. His appeal was heard on 31 March 2014 by an independent QC and, on 5 April 2014, the decision was overturned as Cellino's recent conviction did not involve conduct that would 'reasonably be considered to be dishonest' based on information available to him at the time.[14] GFH retain a 10 per cent stake in the club, with minority shareholders will holding 25 per cent.[1]

Cellino later said that had he known that the takeover would not proceed smoothly he would not have bought the club and described the Football League as "...really tricky, they made trouble at a time when I couldn't walk away and I submitted myself to a trial, a humiliation...I don't want to be here if the Football League don’t want me but who are they anyway?...They are acting for what's right, the principles, the ideals. Me, I sort out the fucking problems at Leeds. I prefer to play by the rules, not to cheat."[1] Cellino has been disparaging of GFH's management of Leeds, saying that "...You can see what’s been happening here – it's been done by people who knew they weren't staying. And now I have to clean up the shit...GFH made big mistakes but not on purpose. That's why I don’t go against them for the moment. But the men who were here in GFH's name did a really, really bad job. That's not GFH fault. They trust people they shouldn't."[1] Cellino described the fans of Leeds as "...tired of eating shit and shutting their mouths. They accept me with enthusiasm and that gives me a lot of responsibility. I'm the richest man in the world with these fans and I can challenge anyone, everyone."[1]

Cellino later questioned manager Brian McDermott's decision to take a holiday, proclaiming that Leeds "have no manager", and asked "Who's managing this club?' Brian, where's Brian?".[15] It was also revealed that the retain and release list of players would be handled by Cellino and Benito Carbone and not McDermott.[16] Leeds later confirmed Carbone's position at the club in a statement, confirming that he would 'be involved with all football matters, including both the first team and the Academy'.[17]

On 30 May, Leeds reached a mutual agreement with manager Brian McDermott to end his spell at the club. With Cellino wanting to hire a Head Coach rather than a manager.[18] On 16 June, McDermott was succeeded as Leeds manager by Dave Hockaday who took up the role in a head coach capacity.[19] On 11 July 2014, Leeds Under 18s manager Richard Naylor was made redundant as was Leeds Under 16s coach Leigh Bromby. On 3 August 2014, after joining the club in April 2014 sporting consultant Benito Carbone left his job after his relationship with Cellino deteriorated.[20][21]

After a 4–1 defeat to Watford on 23 August.[22] Cellino had made up his mind to sack head coach Hockaday: however he had a change of heart, deciding to blame himself for the club's poor start to the season.[23] Five days later, he changed his mind again and sacked Hockaday.[24] Assistant Junior Lewis was sacked at the same time, with the duo having been at the club for only 70 days.[21][25]

Cellino aimed to repurchase Leeds's Elland Road stadium in 2014, and expects the club to be in the Premier League, the top tier of English football, by the end of the 2015–16 season.[1] In September 2014, Cellino appointed Darko Milanič as the new head coach of Leeds on a two-year deal replacing Hockaday,[26] though Milanič was dismissed 32 days later after not winning one of his six games while in charge.[27] In November 2014 Neil Redfearn was confirmed as the new head coach of Leeds, on an initial 12-month contract with the option of a further 12 months, the contract also had a clause that would see Redfearn return to the academy if he was to leave his role as head coach.

On 1 December 2014, Cellino was disqualified by the Football League and asked to resign from the club. The Football League took the decision after obtaining documents from an Italian court, where he was found guilty of tax evasion.[28] On 19 January 2015, Cellino's appeal against the Football League's disqualification was rejected, with the appeal committee ruling that his ban would stand.

However Cellino, and the club, were facing another charge which related to the length of time it took Cellino to present The Football League with the court documents in the first place. This was settled in March 2015, and resulted in Cellino having his ban extended until 8 May 2015, the day after the 2014–15 season ended, to which Cellino responded by saying that he would return to his president role at the club once the ban expired.

On the 2nd April, During Cellino's ban away from the club, Cellino's Sporting Director Nicola Salerno mysteriously suspended Steve Thompson, Leeds Assistant Manager who was credited with lifting Leeds from a place above relegation to 10th in the Football Championship. Leeds had won 6 out of the previous 10 matches. On the 9th April 2015 Leeds United's suspended owner, Cellino, informed the press that he believed Salerno had resigned.[29]

Cellino with the approval of the football league returned to the club, rejoining the board as club chairman and President on 2 May 2015

On 14 May 2015, Cellino carried out a press conference unveiling Adam Pearson as the club's Executive Director to work directly alongside Cellino. The press conference included Cellino leaving halfway through for a cigarette break only to return, and for the press conference to run for over an hour, with Cellino refusing to reveal the future of Head Coach Neil Redfearn. Cellino revealed that he would also sell the club if he felt he was not ready to take the club to the premier league by 2016/17 season.[30]

However, on 16 May, with speculation mounting further about Neil Redfearn's future as Leeds United Head Coach, Cellino in an interview with The Mirror proclaimed Redfearn to be 'weak' and 'a baby'.[31]

On 20 May 2015, Uwe Rösler was appointed as the Head Coach of Championship side Leeds United on a two-year deal.[32]

On 24 June 2015, it was announced that after Cellino's long time friend Nicola Salerno had helped the club sign Sol Bamba from Palermo[33] that Salerno and the club had agreed a mutual termination of Salerno's contract, with the club stating Leeds United would like to thank Nicola for his efforts over the past year and he will always be welcomed back to Elland Road in the future.[34]

On 22 September 2015, Cellino criticized Leeds player Sam Byram, Cellino revealed he was 'deeply offended' and 'hurt' that Byram had not signed a new contract at Leeds United.[35] Yorkshire Evening Post reported that the contract offer from Cellino to Byram was actually a reduction on his existing wage.[36]

On 16 October, Cellino advised as a protest to The Football League, about kick off changes for televised games that he would limit Leeds away fan ticket allocated to the bare minimum football league requirement of 2k.[37] The decision was met with anger from Leeds United fans, who advised the reduced allocation was not the way forward for the clubs fans. On 20 October, Cellino performed a u-turn on his decision to limit Leeds fans ticket allocation at away games, after heavy criticism from the clubs fans.[38]

On 19 October, Uwe Rösler was sacked after two wins from just 12 games in charge, following a 2–1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion which left Leeds in 18th place in the Championship.[39] On the same day, he was replaced him as Leeds Head Coach with former Rotherham Manager Steve Evans.[40]

Also on the 19 October, it was announced by the Football League that Cellino had been disqualified as Leeds United owner for a year, the second time he has been banned by the football League, for an issue regarding Italian Tax Legislation thus failing the Football League's Owners & Directors Test.[41]

On 2 November, Cellino revealed that he would no longer attend Leeds United matches due to vocal critism after he attended the clubs 2-0 loss against Blackburn Rovers.[42]

On 30 October, Cellino revealed he would sell Leeds United to Leeds United Fans Group 'Leeds Fans United', announcing "100% I will sell to the fans, if they want to buy it and look after the club. The fans are the only asset the club has."[43]

On 4 November, Cellino announced a dramatic u-turn of his decision to sell the club to Leeds Fans United, and accused the potential buyers of 'fairytales'. With LFU announcing a statement "Leeds Fans Utd has just been informed by the lawyers of Massimo Cellino that he no longer wishes to sell to Leeds fans."[44]

On 13 November, The Football League announced that Cellino's disqualification ban had been deferred due to Cellino appealing the ban, they announced that should Cellino's appeal fail after the hearing, that the deferral would not change the length of the ban.[45]

On 29 December, Cellino banned Sky Sports cameras from entering Elland Road to live broadcast Leeds' game against Derby. However, due to possible sanctions the club could face, the broadcasting team were 'reluctantly' allowed in. [46]

With speculation if Evans would be retained as Head Coach for the 2016/17 season, on 18 April 2016, Cellino's interview with the Daily Telegraph cast doubt of Head Coach Steve Evans long term prospects, Cellino advised he felt Evans 'talks too much' and that Evans had to learn to 'shut his mouth'.[47]

On 9 May 2016, Cellino was acquitted 'on appeal' for his tax evasion conviction, after failing to pay VAT on a Range Rover imported from the USA into Italy.[48]

Despite being acquitted of his Tax conviction on appeal and the football League disqualification removed as a result, On 13 May 2016, Cellino revealed in an exclusive interview with The Times that he had regretted buying the club, and that he would now sell the club if he received the right offer.[49][50]

On 23 May 2016, it was revealed that MK Dons Manager Karl Robinson had turned down the opportunity from Cellino to become Leeds United Head Coach, further casting doubt on current Head Coach Steve Evans' future at the club.[51]

Convictions and arrests

Cellino was arrested in February 2013 with the mayor of Quartu Sant'Elena, Mauro Contini, and the public works commissioner Stefano Lilliu, for attempted embezzlement and fraudulent misrepresentation following an investigation into the construction of the Stadio Is Arenas.[52] Cellino was held in custody for over two weeks, in a case which remains unresolved. Cellino's arrest warrant called him a man of "marked criminal tendencies ... capable of using every kind of deception to achieve his ends".[52] Cellino has two prior criminal convictions, for deceiving the Italian Ministry of Agriculture out of £7.5m in 1996 and for false accounting at Cagliari in 2001.[52]

Personal life

Cellino has a deep suspicion of the number 17, which is considered unlucky in Italian culture.[citation needed] At Cagliari's stadium Cellino had the number 17 removed from seats and replaced with 16b.[53] Cellino also has a dislike for the colour purple, which is also considered unlucky in Italy, see Italian superstitions.[54] On 15 May 2014, Leeds United retired the number 17 shirt due to superstitious reasons for Cellino. Up until June 2014 the last occupant of the shirt had been Michael Brown.[55]

He plays guitar in the cover band Maurillos.[56] On 3 May 2014, at Leeds United's annual end of season awards, Cellino joined the band The Pigeon Detectives on lead guitar for a cover version of Jimi Hendrix's song Hey Joe.[57]

Cellino has properties in Leeds and Miami, Florida.[1][58] Cellino has a wife 'Frances' and three children, two sons Ercole and Edoardo who are both directors at Leeds United, and a daughter Eleonora.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Phil Hay (11 April 2014). "Leeds United exclusive: Massimo Cellino interview". Yorkshire Evening Post. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  2. ^ Bianchi, Fulvio (13 January 2010). "Sempre più Italia in Premier Cellino compra il West Ham". La Repubblica (in Italian). Retrieved 23 January 2010. Cellino è presidente dal 1992 del Cagliari, club che rilevò dai fratelli Orrù.
  3. ^ Hughes, Matt (14 January 2010). "Man who lured Gianfranco Zola back home is latest bidder for West Ham". The Times. London. Retrieved 23 January 2010. Cellino has proved himself to be a popular and successful owner at Cagliari, providing the finance for the club's new training ground and sports complex in Assemini ....
  4. ^ "Cellino sacks Lopez as Cagliari coach just hours after sealing Leeds takeover". Daily Mail. 7 April 2014. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  5. ^ "The sack race: Are chairmen running out of patience?". BBC Sport. 27 October 2014. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
  6. ^ "Consortium looks to re-open Leeds takeover talks as Cellino closes on deal". Sky News. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
  7. ^ "Brian McDermott sacked by Leeds as Massimo Cellino finalises takeover of the club". The Mirror. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
  8. ^ "Leeds turmoil continues as directors inform Brian McDermott that new owners-in-waiting had no authority to sack him". Independent. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  9. ^ "Cellino flexes his muscles at Leeds United". Yorkshire Eve Post. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  10. ^ "Brian McDermott: Club Statement". Leeds United official website. 1 February 2014. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  11. ^ "STATEMENTS FROM OUR OWNERS". Leeds United. 7 February 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2014.
  12. ^ "SLeeds United exchange contracts on Massimo Cellino takeover". BBC Sport. 7 February 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2014.
  13. ^ The Football League, http://www.football-league.co.uk/footballleaguenews/20140324/football-league-statement-massimo-cellino_2293334_3729469
  14. ^ , http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11715/9250458/sky-bet-championship-massimo-cellino-wins-appeal-against-football-league
  15. ^ "New Leeds owner Massimo Cellino says United has no manager". ITV. 14 May 2014.
  16. ^ "Carbone's role with Leeds United confirmed". Morley Observer. 1 May 2014.
  17. ^ "STATEMENT: BENITO CARBONE. Carbone to join staff at Elland Road". Leeds United Official Website. 15 May 2014. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
  18. ^ "Brian McDermott leaves Leeds United by mutual consent". BBC Sport. 30 May 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
  19. ^ "David Hockaday named as new head coach…". Leeds United A.F.C. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
  20. ^ "Leeds United: Carbone leaves Whites". Yorkshire Evening Post. 3 August 2014. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
  21. ^ a b "Leeds United FC on Twitter". Twitter.
  22. ^ "TWO OFF IN WATFORD DEFEAT". Leeds United official site. 23 August 2014. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  23. ^ "Leeds: Massimo Cellino changed mind over sacking Dave Hockaday". BBC Sport. 24 August 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  24. ^ "Championship: Leeds sack head coach David Hockaday just six games into new season". SkySports.
  25. ^ "CLUB STATEMENT: DAVID HOCKADAY". Leeds United. 27 August 2014. Retrieved 27 August 2014.
  26. ^ "UNITED CONFIRM DARKO MILANIC". Leeds United Official Website. 23 September 2014. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
  27. ^ "Darko Milanic: Leeds United part company with head coach". BBC Sport. 25 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  28. ^ "Leeds owner Massimo Cellino disqualified by Football League". BBC Sport. 1 December 2014.
  29. ^ "Leeds United suspend assistant manager Steve Thompson". The Guardian. The Guardian. 2 April 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
  30. ^ Leon Wobschall (14 May 2015). "Leeds United: Redfearn future unclear after Cellino press conference". Yorkshire Evening Post.
  31. ^ Sky Sports (16 May 2015). "Leeds owner Massimo Cellino says manager Neil Redfearn is 'weak' and 'a baby'". Sky Sports News.
  32. ^ "UWE ROSLER NAMED HEAD COACH". Leeds United. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  33. ^ "SOL BAMBA SIGNS PERMANENT DEAL". Leeds United. 24 June 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2015.
  34. ^ "AGREEMENT REACHED WITH SALERNO". Leeds United. 24 June 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2015.
  35. ^ "Sam Byram 'refused' new deal, says 'hurt' Cellino". Sky Sports. 22 September 2015. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
  36. ^ "Byram too big for his boots, blasts Leeds United chief Cellino". Yorkshire Evening Post. 22 September 2015. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
  37. ^ "Massimo Cellino: Leeds will limit tickets for away matches". BBC Sport. 16 October 2015. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  38. ^ "Leeds United perform U-turn over away tickets after meeting with fans". Yorkshire Evening Post. 20 October 2015. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
  39. ^ "Uwe Rosler: Leeds United sack head coach after 12 games". BBC Sport. 19 October 2015. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  40. ^ "Steve Evans Appointed United Head Coach". Leeds United F.C. 19 October 2015.
  41. ^ "Steve Evans: Leeds appoint new boss as Massimo Cellino banned". BBC Sport. 19 October 2015.
  42. ^ "Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino: I will not attend matches". Sky Sports. 2 November 2015. Retrieved 2 Novemver 2015. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  43. ^ "Massimo Cellino: Leeds chairman agrees to sell club to fans". BBC Sport. 30 October 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  44. ^ "Massimo Cellino fed up of 'fairytales' and ready to sell Leeds". Sky Sports. 4 November 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
  45. ^ "Massimo Cellino: Leeds United chairman's ban deferred". BBC Sport. 13 November 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  46. ^ "Leeds United will be charged with misconduct if they ban Sky TV". BBC Sport. 29 December 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  47. ^ "Steve Evans future at Leeds United in doubt after fresh outburst from Massimo Cellino". Sky Sports. 18 April 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  48. ^ "Massimo Cellino: Leeds United owner acquitted of tax evasion charge". BBC Sport. 9 May 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
  49. ^ "Massimo Cellino: Leeds United owner reveals regret at buying Championship club". BBC Sport. 13 May 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
  50. ^ "I'm ready to sell Leeds, says frightened Cellino". The Times. 13 May 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
  51. ^ "Karl Robinson: MK Dons boss turns down Leeds United managerial offer". BBC Sport. 23 May 2016. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
  52. ^ a b c Dylan Fahy (4 February 2014). "Who is Massimo Cellino? The controversial Italian vying to take over Leeds United". The Independent. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  53. ^ "Leeds United confirm sale of 75 per cent to Massimo Cellino". Sky Sports. 7 February 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2014.
  54. ^ "Leeds United looking for purple patch on field – but maybe not off it". Sky Sports. 31 January 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
  55. ^ "Massimo Cellino says Leeds "has no manager"". ITV. 15 May 2014. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
  56. ^ "Who is Massimo Cellino? The controversial Italian vying to take over Leeds United". Independent. 4 February 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  57. ^ "Massimo Cellino jams with the Pigeon Detectives at Leeds' end of season party". Daily Mail. 3 May 2014. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  58. ^ Cass, Simon (15 January 2010). "Race hots up to buy West Ham with Cagliari president Massimo Cellino and InterMarket consortium locked in two-horse £100m takeover race". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved 23 January 2010. Cellino, who lives in Miami, .....
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