Leeds takeover in the balance as Cellino faces fresh fraud conviction

Massimo Cellino's takeover of Leeds United may be in the balance as he is accused of tax evasion.

According to The Guardian,the takeover will collapse if Cellino is found guilty in a Sardinian court of failing to pay tax which prosecutors allege was due on a yacht he took to Italy from the US.

Cellino is accused of evading paying €400,000 import duty on the yacht.

At a court hearing in Cagliari last week, the Sardinian public prosecutor argued for a €1.165m fine to be imposed on the Cagliari owner.

The case is due to be heard on Tuesday, just five days after the Football League is due to meet to ratify Cellino's takeover.

It is now assumed the League will await the outcome of the tax evasion case against Cellino before making any decision. If Cellino is convicted, it is almost certain he will be barred from completing his purchase of a 75% stake in Leeds

The League will now likely wait for the outcome of the tax evasion case before rubber stamping the takeover of the Elland Road club. Should Cellino be convicted, he will likely be barred from completing the deal.