However, the England World Cup star has since joined Manchester United in a British record £30m (€47.7m) deal, and fans’ chief Ray Fell told The Sun: ‘‘In the circumstances it would be folly to invite Rio and hand over the award to him.’’

Former Leeds and Manchester United centre-half Gordon McQueen received the award twice before leaving Elland Road for Old Trafford.

Fell said: ‘‘When Gordon picked up his second award he said he was here for life. Two weeks later he went to Manchester United, but there was no ill will and Gordon has been back to see us.

‘‘In this case, we have decided to cancel the player of the year presentation to Rio and instead we will make a presentation of some sort to someone we feel is more worthy of it.

‘‘His name will be put on our list of winners because the fans voted for him at the time.

‘‘They loved him when he was happy to play for Leeds United, but that is now in the past.’’

Traditionally the player of the year award is presented at the fans’ annual dinner and dance, which is due to take place this year on September 28 - two weeks after Manchester United visit Elland Road in the Premiership.