Leeds United's prospective owner Massimo Cellino charged with tax evasion fraud

Prospective Leeds owner Massimo Cellino looks on prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Queens Park Rangers and Leeds

Leeds United’s prospective owner Massimo Cellino has been charged with tax evasion following a hearing in Sardinia, according to Sky Sports.

It is being reported that Cellino has not paid an amount speculated to be more than £300,000 in import duty on a luxury yacht Cellino that he had purchased back in 2010.

Leeds United’s prospective owner Massimo Cellino found guilty of tax evasion in an Italian court. Story to follow …

— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) March 18, 2014

The Football League is yet to make a decision now whether or not to give the Cellino’s 75 per cent takeover of Leeds United a go-ahead or not as the Owners and Directors test prohibits people who are convicted of financial offences from being directors.

However, according to Sky Sports, manager Brian McDermott has backed the takeover. “I have a view, ” McDermott told the Yorkshire Evening Post. “I’ve got to say that he knows his football, Massimo.”

“He knows what he wants and he’s been nothing but supportive as far as I’m concerned. I’m grateful for that. We’ve had many conversations and he’s been nothing but supportive. As far as I’m concerned, the next week will be an important one in our history. It’s important that we get the right decision.”