Leeds United and Rangers co-owner Jed York has been jailed in Ohio after pleading no contest to charges arising from an investigation linked to alleged solicitation of prostitution. The 45-year-old sports executive appeared before the Columbiana County Municipal Court and was convicted of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools.

Under Ohio law, a no-contest plea allows a defendant to accept a conviction without formally admitting guilt. York was sentenced to one day in jail for each offence, with both sentences running concurrently, and was credited with time already spent in custody. He was also fined $150 for disorderly conduct and $1,000 for possessing criminal tools.

According to US media reports citing court documents, York allegedly responded to an advertisement on a prostitution website operated by undercover officers working with an Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force. He reportedly arranged to meet a woman and exchange $140 for sexual activity, while the criminal-tools charge was linked to the mobile phone allegedly used in the communication.

York is the principal owner of the San Francisco 49ers and holds ownership interests in Leeds United and Rangers through 49ers Enterprises. Leeds, Rangers and the 49ers declined to provide detailed comments on the case, while the NFL said it was aware of the matter and would review it under its personal conduct policy.