Massimo Cellino's appeal against disqualification as owner of Leeds United has been rejected by the Football League.
The League today found that Cellino was subject to a disqualifying condition of its owners and directors' test and, as a result, will now have to relinquish his role until April 10.
A statement from the League read: "As are result of this decision, Massimo Cellino is disqualified from acting as a 'relevant person', as defined by Football League regulations until April 10, 2015.
"The Football League will provide any assistance requested by Leeds United to help it minimise, as far as possible, the effect this decision has on the club while Mr. Cellino serves his period of disqualification."
Cellino had initially argued that he had not been involved in a 'dishonest act', but the League's latest investigation has determined that in fact he did try to evade tax in Italy.
It is believed that Leeds could try to make another appeal and a statement on the club's website confirmed: "We are continuing to take legal advice."
The Yorkshire outfit is also facing a separate misconduct charge, which will be heard in "due course", for failing to submit Italian court documents earlier in the process.
Pascal Lemesre
