Massimo Cellino pays Leeds players 'a proportion' of wages pending appeal outcome
Sky Sports 28/3/14
Leeds players have been paid only part of their wages this month as the ownership of the club remains unresolved.
Massimo Cellino's takeover was this week blocked by the Football League after he failed their owners' and directors' test.
The Italian businessman is appealing that ruling, and his case is expected to be heard by an independent QC within the next fortnight. In the meantime Cellino - understood to have been bankrolling the club since his company's purchase of a 75% stake was agreed in February - has agreed to pay 50% of the March wage bill.
Professional Footballers' Association chairman Gordon Taylor said: "I've been in touch with the players and the club. The players and club have had a meeting.
"A proportion of the players' wages has been paid via the prospective owner Massimo Cellino.
"The remaining wages will be made subject to Cellino's Football League appeal. There has been a compromise between the current owners and Cellino.
"The players are holding together and understanding of the situation."
Cellino was barred from completing his takeover after it emerged he had been convicted of a tax offence by an Italian court.
The Cagliari owner argues he should be considered innocent pending the outcome of any appeal against that verdict.
Leeds players have been paid only part of their wages this month as the ownership of the club remains unresolved.
Massimo Cellino's takeover was this week blocked by the Football League after he failed their owners' and directors' test.
The Italian businessman is appealing that ruling, and his case is expected to be heard by an independent QC within the next fortnight. In the meantime Cellino - understood to have been bankrolling the club since his company's purchase of a 75% stake was agreed in February - has agreed to pay 50% of the March wage bill.
Professional Footballers' Association chairman Gordon Taylor said: "I've been in touch with the players and the club. The players and club have had a meeting.
"A proportion of the players' wages has been paid via the prospective owner Massimo Cellino.
"The remaining wages will be made subject to Cellino's Football League appeal. There has been a compromise between the current owners and Cellino.
"The players are holding together and understanding of the situation."
Cellino was barred from completing his takeover after it emerged he had been convicted of a tax offence by an Italian court.
The Cagliari owner argues he should be considered innocent pending the outcome of any appeal against that verdict.
