Cellino quits as Leeds president after ban, returns in April

LEEDS, England (AP) - Leeds owner Massimo Cellino has resigned as the second-tier club's president after being disqualified by the Football League following a tax evasion conviction. He will return in April once the ban expires.

Board member Andrew Umbers will serve as chairman in Cellino's absence.

Cellino says "it is with great sadness and frustration that I have to take this step."

He adds that he "will return in April in good health and good spirits."

After initially being blocked from taking over the 1992 English champions because of the conviction in Italy, Cellino was successful with an appeal in April.

But after obtaining the Italian court's judgment, the Football League board decided again that Cellino breached the terms of its test covering the suitability of owners and directors. Cellino's appeal was rejected this week.