Indeed, it can be seen to be a major issue. However, I look at it like a bottle neck.
The likes of Chelsea have vast reserves of 'sellable assets', youth players, players out at feeder clubs they can sell on. Plus they have a global sponsorship network from the days when they were winning the Champions League all was rosy in the Ruski garden.
Chelsea sold for $3.2 billion or or £2.5 billion, that is what the business was valued, arguably because Abramovich has to sell up it was cheap. Newcastle sold at £305 million. That's 12.2% of the value of Chelsea. Our commercial revenue was zero. The club was free of debt but generated ZERO revenue.
In 2 yrs the board and execs have worked to bring in the sponsorships to give us a commercial revenue stream that never existed during the previous regime. As we know fatso sold players, Carrol, Cabaye, Sissoko to fund the club.
Right now the club are unable to exploit the vast financial resources of our owner due to these restrictions. In a few more years time with the additions in Training ground, training kit, Stadium and all manner of other sponsors we'll have more flexibility financially.
It's just a case that we're in a financial bottle neck right now, the other clubs Associated Party Sponsorship blocking rule changes are to extend that period as long as possible in the hope the Saudi's get bored or angry/insulted and ditch the project.
Foolish concept indeed as these guys are legacy building for the future and no way will the bail whilst they will host the world cup. Everything sport and football related is front and centre of their agenda.
We just need to be a bit more patience and certainly not bite at every story printed in the press. It's 99% Horse Shyte!

