Leeds owner Massimo Cellino banned for 18 months by FA over agent regulations

The ban will come into effect on February 1, 2017

Cellino was also fined £250,000 (Getty)

Leeds owner Massimo Cellino has been banned for 18 months - effective from February 1, 2017 - for breaking the Football Association's agent regulations, the governing body has announced.

Announcing the ban on Thursday, the FA also confirmed Cellino had been fined £250,000, as had the club.

Cellino is also to attend and complete an education programme covering "the duties and responsibilities of an owner and director of an English football club", while agent Derek Day has been fined £75,000.

The sanctions relate to the transfer of Ross McCormack from Leeds to Fulham in 2014.

A statement from the FA, also confirming a suspension for Day, said: "Leeds United and the club's owner Massimo Cellino have each been fined £250,000 for breaching the FA's football agent regulations.

"The charges relate to the transaction involving the transfer of Ross McCormack from Leeds to Fulham on 8 July 2014.

"Furthermore, with effect from February 1, 2017, Mr Cellino has been suspended for 18 months from being a director or shadow director of Leeds United or any other football club or company whose activities include ownership of a football club.

"By April 30, 2017, he is to attend and complete an FA education programme covering the duties and responsibilities of an owner and director of an English football club.

"In relation to the same matter, authorised agent Derek Day has been fined £75,000 after admitting to breaches of the FA's football agent regulations.

"Mr Day has also been suspended from all intermediary activity for 18 months, commencing immediately for a seven-month period with the remaining 11 months being suspended for two years and only to come into effect if before December 6, 2018, he commits a further breach of the FA's rules and regulations."

Leeds fans protested against Cellino earlier this year (Getty) (Getty Images)

"The club and Mr Cellino have indicated that they contest the sanctions imposed by the regulatory commission and intend to issue an appeal in accordance with FA rules and regulations.

"Written reasons regarding the decision will be held pending the outcome of any appeal."