Leeds United focused on Burton amid Daily Star claims

Massimo Cellino.Massimo Cellino.
Massimo Cellino.
LEEDS United say they have no comment to make on the Daily Star story which suggests the FA's '˜bung' investigation into Whites chairman Massimo Cellino is in danger of collapsing after former club administrator Graham Bean withdrew his evidence.

Leeds were accused by the FA of breaking agent regulations over the £10.75m sale of Ross McCormack to Fulham in 2014 by agreeing to finance a payment of £185,000 to an unlicensed advisor of Ross McCormack’s, Barry Hughes, during the multi-million deal.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hughes is not a licensed agent and FA rules forbid payments to unlicensed player representatives.

The club have pleaded guilty to the charge but Cellino was charged with a separate breach of FA rules over his role in the transfer and denied the charge brought against him personally, contesting it during a hearing at Wembley.

The FA had former Leeds administrator Bean attending the hearing against Cellino and giving evidence but the Daily Star claim that Bean has now withdrawn his statement following a dispute with the FA over unpaid expenses.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The YEP attempted to contact Bean, who says the FA have not paid him his travel, accommodation and loss of earnings despite the FA agreeing to do so.

The Daily Star claim that the FA’s entire investigation could now fall down and that Cellino would have no case to answer - instead of facing a possible ban and hefty fine if found guilty of the charges.

A senior communications employee at Leeds said the club declined to make any comment with all of the focus on tomorrow’s game with Burton Albion.

Leeds are sat 11th in the Championship table and just three points off the play-offs under head coach Garry Monk.

The FA have also been approached by the YEP for comment.

Related topics: