Leeds United have confirmed that Massimo Cellino has resigned as club president.

The Italian recently failed with an appeal to overturn the Football League's decision to disqualify him from owning the Championship club.

The Football League announced that Cellino would be forced to step down from his role until April 10 after he was found to have evaded paying tax in his home country.

"It is with great sadness and frustration that I have to take this step," he told United's official website. "However, I abide by the Football League's decision to temporarily disqualify me from this great football club and will return in April in good health and good spirits.

"I have done my best for a club and fans that I hold close to my heart and it is now financially much stronger than it has been for a long time. It will continue to thrive and I am sincerely looking forward to returning very soon."

Leeds currently sit in 20th place in the Championship table, six points above the relegation zone.

They return to action on January 31 with a trip to Huddersfield Town in the league.