The Football League admitted they were "disappointed" with the appeal verdict of QC Tim Kerr who this afternoon sensationally overturned their decision not to allow Massimo Cellino to complete his takeover of Leeds United. Fundamentally they based their decision on Cellino's recent conviction for allegedly failing to pay tax on a yacht but Leeds fans will know that HMS Spite commandeered by the Football League has sailed since the days of Don Revie.
Ever since Don Revie was at loggerheads with the Football League Secretary Alan Hardaker over matters such as fixture pile-ups, we have had few favours coming from them. The extensive procedural nightmare that was our entering into administration in 2007 was testimony to that and when they blocked Massimo Cellino's takeover of Leeds United last week it looked like we were heading down that road yet again!
However on appeal Cellino was successful and his Elenora Sports company can now complete the deal agreed with hapless GFh capital to buy a 75% stake holding in the club reportedly worth £25m.
On their website, the Football League said: "We are disappointed at the outcome of the appeal hearing, however we would like to thank the independent QC for his diligence in reviewing this decision.
"This was never about individual personalities, but instead was a matter in which we were obliged to uphold the integrity of our regulations having considered the issue in detail with our advisors.
"It was always an extremely complex matter in which a different interpretation of a judgment made under Italian law could lead to an entirely different outcome in the context of our regulations. Ultimately this has proven to be the case.
"The independent QC has concluded that Mr. Cellino's recent conviction in the Sardinian Court did not involve conduct that would 'reasonably be considered to be dishonest' based on information available to him at the current time.
"The Football League will now consider the findings of the hearing."
The 2nd paragraph about it not being about "individual personalities" I feel speaks volumes!