Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino reverses decision to sell club to supporters group

The controversial owner has already sacked five different managers during his 17 months at the club

Massimo Cellino says he first heard of six Leeds players pulling out of the squad on Friday evening (Getty)

Massimo Cellino no longer has any intention of selling Leeds United and has reneged on plans to hand control over to a supporters’ group.

The Italian businessman had agreed to sell his majority share in the Elland Road club to Leeds Fans Utd (LFU) last Friday, despite standing to not make profit from the deal.

Cellino was moved to agree a deal with the supporters’ group following protests from fans during the club’s 2-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

The owner’s lawyers and LFU were due to meet on Wednesday and negotiate an exclusivity period, which would prohibit Cellino from negotiating a sale with any other party.

However, in a statement, the prospective buyers confirmed that the controversial owner had undergone a change of heart.

In a statement, LFU said: “Leeds Fans Utd has just been informed by the lawyers of Massimo Cellino that he no longer wishes to sell to Leeds fans.

“Our insistence on him confirming his verbal offer of exclusivity in a legally binding agreement has forced transparency on his motives.

“We hope that Massimo will treat the club and fans with respect and honour.

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“It is much better that we identify this insincerity now before we spend our shareholders' money.

“This exercise has proved our capacity to adapt to any acquisition scenario very quickly.

“We now know we have the capacity to do both a minority and majority deal, and it has shown that Leeds fans have a desire for fan ownership.

“We hope that Massimo will treat the club and fans with respect and honour.

Cellino bought his 75 per cent controlling interest in the three-time champions of England from Gulf Finance House in April 2014.

Since purchasing the club, the former Calgiari owner has sacked five different managers in 17 months.

Most recently, Uwe Rosler left the club only 152 days after his appointment, being replaced by former Rotherham United and Crawley Town manager Steve Evans.

Leeds registered their first home win since March on Teusday night, overcoming Cardiff City 1-0 at Elland Road.