NEWCASTLE’S takeover is being put on hold – with the Premier League feeling “abandoned” by the Government for having to rule on such a morally and politically perilous decision.
The Daily Mail report that the Saudi Investment Fund’s £300million buyout could also lead to a change in the owners’ and directors’ test.
Newcastle’s proposed £300million Saudi takeover faces being postponed again
The League are set to approve the takeover but it has been delayed by issues over broadcast piracy allegations against the Saudi state.
While seemingly imminent, an announcement may now reportedly have to wait until next week.
The Mail add that discussions about when football can resume are taking priority at top level.
BeIN Sports are Premier League TV rights holders in Qatar and they have told the Premier League to stop the Saudi takeover because matches there are illegally streamed.
The Government has vowed not to interfere on the Saudi buyout, despite claims of human rights abuses in the country and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Premier League bosses are said to be fearful of the fallout over their decision, whether the deal is approved or not.
It is claimed they have tried to bring those accused of illegally showing top flight games to justice.
But without involvement from the Government, the Premier League is in somewhat uncharted waters having to make a call on a massive moral and legal dilemma.
The report adds that chiefs believe they are being portrayed as the ‘bad guys’ despite doing their utmost to resolve the situation.
The fiancee of Khashoggi recently ramped up her bid to block Newcastle’s Saudi takeover after her lawyer sent a letter to the Premier League.
If the deal all goes through then Newcastle are expected to replace Steve Bruce with Mauricio Pochettino.
Sam Allardyce says Newcastle takeover is going to be ‘very difficult’ for Steve Bruce and compares the situation to his own sacking by new owner Mike Ashley in 2008
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
