Leeds president Massimo Cellino has said he will appeal against the Football League's ruling that he failed its Owners and Directors' Test and has vowed to never "give up on Leeds United."
The League announced on Monday that Cellino has failed its test after finally receiving further evidence from the Italian judge who convicted him for tax evasion in March.
Judge Sandra Lepore concluded in her written report that Cellino had acted dishonestly when failing to pay tax on his yacht and the League has ruled Cellino must resign from his position immediately. He has 14 days to lodge an appeal.
The 58-year-old will be entitled to return to the club on March 18 next year when the conviction is spent under UK law.
Leeds have responded by accusing the League of "destabilising" the club, while a defiant Cellino insisted he has no intention of selling his 75 per cent stake.
"If I can go [to games] as the president, I'll go as the president. I'm talking about the law, not some lawyers that don't know what they're talking about," he told Sky Sports News. "It's the law that will allow me to go and if not I will go like a supporter and pay for my ticket. I'm never going to give up Leeds United."
When asked if he would ignore any punishment handed out by the League, Cellino added: "I'm not going to ignore it. I'm not like that.
"I'm going to respect everything. I'm going to appeal. I'm going to show them they are wrong and I'm sure that the lawyers of the League have not done a proper job.
"I'm not dishonest. I'm not guilty yet, that's it. If I'm going to have to buy a ticket to watch the game I will do it."
However, a Leeds fans' group has urged the Football League and club president Massimo Cellino "not to engage in endless legal struggles."
Leeds United Supporters Trust said in a statement: "In light of the decision of the Football League to disqualify Massimo Cellino and the public response of Leeds United, the Leeds United Supporters Trust calls on both the Football League and Massimo Cellino to act in the best interests of the club and its supporters and not to engage in endless legal struggles that ultimately benefit no one.
"For too long, football administrators and owners have failed to consider the consequences of their actions on loyal Leeds United supporters.
"Our members are frustrated that uncertainty has yet again been introduced to Leeds United and the resulting instability that creates for both the club's business operations and its supporters.
"This lack of consideration needs to end and the best interests of Leeds United and the integrity of the Championship need to be protected."
The League has also asked an independent disciplinary commission to consider whether Cellino and/or Leeds further breached League regulations by not disclosing relevant information in a timely manner.
LUST added: "We call for any independent disciplinary commission that is established to finish its business in the shortest possible timescale.
"The Massimo Cellino 'fit and proper person' issue has been dragged out for more than nine months; it is imperative it does not drag on endlessly.
"Supporters from numerous clubs have long been aware that the (fit and proper persons' test) FPPT has been a process unfit for purpose for some time, (these) events only go to re-enforce that notion. The Trust believes we are in uncharted waters and therefore asks that both sides bring clarity and honesty to their public statements and consider the supporters' need for a stable club at all times."
Leeds is owned by Cellino's family company, Eleanora Sport Limited, which in April bought 75 percent of the club's shares from the previous owner, Bahrain investment firm Gulf Finance House, which still controls a 25 percent stake.
Cellino is currently in Bahrain holding talks with GFH, who he said had agreed to contribute five million pounds towards Eleanora Sports' new 20 million pound investment in the club.
Press Association Sport reports that Eleanora Sport could install a new management structure at Elland Road to satisfy the League's ruling and it was up to them to find a solution.