Leeds United today get a mention in a quite serious story about Massimo Cellino.
The former Whites’ owner and president had been investigated ‘on the charge of alleged foreign ownership’ involving the company Eleonora Sport Ltd, who got accused of avoiding taxes.
In a piece brought by La Nuova Sardegna, it’s pointed out that this company was used for the purchase and sale of Leeds United, then having the same purpose for the takeover of Brescia.
Cellino, however, was acquitted by the local justice in the preliminary hearing, and his lawyer Giorgio Altieri talked about the situation.
“On the contrary, there would have been tax advantages for Eleonora Sport Ltd to be an Italian company in 2018. No criminal intent, no reproach could be reasonably contested to Massimo Cellino,” said Altieri, quoted by La Nuova Sardegna.
Cellino had his purchase of Leeds made official in February 2014, and stayed as their owner and president until May 2017, when Andrea Radrizzani took over the club.
Just a few months later, Cellino decided to try a new adventure in Italy, where he made the purchase of Brescia. He’s still in charge of the Serie B club, who currently stand in 9th in the second tier and are unlikely to fight for a place in the top flight this season.
