The English Premier League has contested Newcastle United’s assertion that a Saudi-led takeover of the club had been rejected, saying on Thursday it could still proceed if further information on the proposed new owners is provided.
Newcastle on Wednesday said the league leadership had not “acted appropriately” regarding the takeover that would have seen Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquire an 80 percent stake in the northeast English club.
Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), is chairman of the PIF.
“The Premier League was disappointed and surprised by the Newcastle United Football Club statement,” the league said in a statement. “The club’s assertion that the Premier League has rejected the takeover is incorrect.”
The league investigated the role of the Saudi state in running the club after concerns were raised about piracy of game broadcasts by a rogue operation in the kingdom, and human rights abuses.
While Newcastle said the PIF is “independent and autonomous of the Saudi Arabian government”, the fund is overseen by MBS and its website operates on a Saudi government domain.
“They would then be subject to a suitability assessment by the board. As an alternative, the board has repeatedly offered independent arbitration as a way forward since June.”
The league maintained decisions on Newcastle have been agreed to unanimously by all board members and not one individual after the club singled out league Chief Executive Richard Masters for criticism.
The takeover would have ended the fraught ownership of retail entrepreneur Mike Ashley after 13 years.
The British-based Reuben brothers and financier Amanda Staveley were also part of the PIF bid, planning to each buy the remaining 10 percent stakes.
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