Massimo Cellino agrees to sell Leeds United to fans’ group
United would be the highest-placed English club to be owned by their fans
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Leeds United owner, Massimo Cellino, has agreed in principle to sell his majority share in the club to supporters’ group Leeds Fans United. The Italian, who is appealing against a Football League ban, met with fans yesterday and said he would sell without making a profit.
Cellino told BBC Radio Leeds: “One hundred per cent 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.”
The supporters’ group tweeted: “Leeds Fans Utd has today reached agreement in principle with Massimo Cellino to purchase a majority stake in Leeds United Football Club.”
Leeds Fans United was launched in April with the aim of buying a minority stake in the club and securing representation on the board.
Adam Pope of BBC Radio Leeds said: “There is a real malcontent around the club at the moment. He’s done some good in his time there but I believe the time is right for a change. I’ve spoken to Leeds Fans United and I don’t know how much money there is there now, but I know that there are people willing to back their initiative.”
Many supporters called on Cellino, who took over at Leeds last year, to quit after Thursday’s 2-0 home defeat by Blackburn Rovers left them 18th in the Championship. He recently made Steve Evans his sixth manager in 18 months.
United would be the highest-placed English club to be owned by their fans.
Earlier this week, Cellino said his tenure at Leeds had been “a nightmare”. He added: “I’m sad and embarrassed. My dream was to do my best but I’ve achieved nothing. I’m trying to protect the club but at the same time it means I have exposed myself. The result is that fans say, ‘Massimo, it’s time to go’. So I ask myself what am I doing here? The Football League say I’m dishonest. It’s a weird feeling. I thought I could do better but the pressure is too much.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments