Premier League

[Sclox]

FFS,
Nothing to do with``Wet Spam``mate



Arguably the most controversial takeover deal in Premier League history is finally over.

Sources close to the consortium say they tried to prove to the Premier League that the Saudi government would have no say in the day-to-day running of the club.

The Premier League seems to have been concerned that individuals not on the club's new board would have had influence over decision-making at St James' Park because the Saudi Crown Prince is the chairman of PIF. Ultimately this issue could not be resolved.

Current owner Mike Ashley is also understood to have tried to renegotiate the deal in recent days because of the length of time that had lapsed, and that also contributed to the decision by the group to walk away.

But with so many negative headlines over Saudi Arabia's poor human rights record - plus tension with rival clubs and broadcast partner beIN Sport over television rights piracy concerns - Premier League officials may be privately relieved the consortium has taken the decision out of its hands.

Many in football will now want to see its Owners and Directors' Test strengthened to ensure states like Saudi Arabia cannot buy clubs, and there is no repeat of a saga that has done little for the game's reputation.

After months of uncertainty, however, Newcastle United fans desperate to see the back of Ashley will no doubt see it very differently.
Breath deeply now and inform your self appropriately before making silly accusations
as you were now
John....

I'd say there are a lot of current owners in place whose presence needs to be questioned if strengthened owners and directors tests come into play. Their continued presence in the premier league and the PL actions over this saga have done more damage to the "reputation" of the game than the Saudis ever could

I think the whole episode stinks of corruption with an unhealthy dose of 'Cartel" influence being added. I agree West Ham likely weren't an objector because you probably don't have the clout of say a Liverpool or Spurs but I believe there may have been opposition from within the top 6 - what has happened has been at best incompetence and at worst a blatent, arrogant snub to join the top table.

Theres no room at the inn for us, so fk em - see where they are when a Euro super league comes in to being and takes all their star pupils away, personally I'd like to see us in the SPL or the Championship than play another season here.