Leeds president Massimo Cellino yesterday confirmed that he will comply with the Football League’s ruling to disqualify him as owner of the club.

Cellino is to appeal against the League’s decision to ban him after it ruled he had failed its owners and directors test but the 58-year-old Italian has told his fellow directors he will stand down from the board to safeguard the club against possible further sanctions.

“I’m prepared to resign if it’s what I have to do,” Cellino said.

“I said to the other directors that I don’t want to bring any problems on the club so if I have to resign in 28 days and then wait to finish my appeal, I will.

“I’m fighting this and we think we will win so after the appeal I will be back.

“But I don’t want to give the League a reason to punish the club. So if I have to go then I’ll go.”