New Saudi takeover claims arrive as Sky Sports reveal legal threat & Premier League's big issue
A new report from Sky Sports News' chief reporter Bryan Swanson has breathed new life into the Newcastle United takeover once again, despite it seeming as though the Saudi saga had finally reached an unsatisfying conclusion.
His Tuesday night piece claims that the Saudi PIF and Mike Ashley could now take legal action at the High Court in London against the Premier League, stating neither could be prevented from doing so if they decide to take it further.
Sky Sports also claim the takeover broke down due to the Premier League’s questioning over the who would become the “ultimate” controllers of the club, if the takeover was to be approved.
Initially, it was believed that the takeover had collapsed due to Premier League’s questioning of how much the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would be involved in the day-to-day running of the club, however the report suggests they were more concerned about who would be the decision makers at the very top when it came to budgets and potential appointments.
This is explained by Swanson below:
“It is understood the Premier League was less concerned by the day-to-day running and sought clarification over the ultimate controllers of the club; the decision-makers that set the budget and the appointment of senior officials, including directors.”
“A source close to the consortium has told Sky Sports News the group provided written assurances from the highest possible government department, notably the Saudi Royal Court, that the Kingdom would have no influence over the running of Newcastle United.”
Sky Sports also claim that because of this dispute, there is a possibility that the Saudi PIF and Mike Ashley take legal action against the Premier League
“As the Premier League has acknowledged the need for a resolution to the dispute, there is nothing to prevent the consortium, and Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, from launching legal action at the High Court in London, if the matter is not taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
Newcastle fans will have to wait with bated breath to see whether the Saudi PIF are prepared to take Legal Action or whether they have completely abandoned the idea of the takeover altogether.
Let's hope the NUST get some good answers out of Richard Masters tonight!
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