BBC journalist Saj Chowdhury has stated that Rafa Benitez’s departure will NOT affect the Bin Zayed Group’s proposed takeover, claiming the Premier League are now conducting a ‘fit and proper test’.
This is very promising to hear – especially after the devastation caused by yesterday’s news – however it would be wise to treat these new claims with caution. Once bitten twice as shy.
That said, our only hope now is that new owners replace Mike Ashley, so any positive news on the takeover front feels absolutely essential right – and claims that the Premier League are now involved *could* be hugely significant.
Here’s what BBC reporter Saj Chowdhury has now had to say on the takeover front:
‘Once again regarding BZG’s proposed takeover of Newcastle, a source told me Benitez’s departure does not affect its position.
‘So, as it stands, following the last statement in May & according to BZG, the proposal and its suitability is still being assessed.
‘As far as I know the terms agreed by BZG and Ashely are being looked at by the Premier League, who are conducting a ‘fit and proper test’
Interestingly, Justin Allen – the Sun reporter who broke the initial BZG takeover story a month ago – is also claiming this morning that the takeover process at NUFC is ‘still in motion’.
Here’s what he’s had to say, with him stating that he isn’t able to report anything more – suggesting things may be going on in private behind the scenes?
Fingers crossed folks. I still have my doubts, but at a time where Rafa Benitez’s exit has left us with so little hope, a takeover feels more important than ever right now.
Perhaps they could do a Fit and Proper Persons test on our current owner while they’re at it?
taken4mugs(Quote)
I would like to know where Saj gets his information from about the fit and proper test being underway given the premier league have issued a ‘no comment’.
mactoon(Quote)
Smart **** Journalists making them selves look like fools, How can Saj be in the know? No Comment all round means No comment so unless he has broken a confidentiality agreement his post is BS.
Media know it alls drumming 😡 up articles to promote themselves ffs.
Cocobear(Quote)
We were told by the Bin Zaed Group that the necessary documents for conducting the “fit and proper” test had been sent to the PL on 17th of April.
That’s 2 months ago!! Surely this test would be well underway, or even completed by now- if it wasn’t just more b•••s•••.
TT(Quote)
Sounds legit.
Nobody likes people to make snap decisions.
Smileypooemoji(Quote)
Probably more leaks from KB and co. Trying to get fans to renew their season tickets.
Robert Gilmore(Quote)
TT June 25 14:04
The fit and proper test is different to what has been lodged. The papers lodged are sale agreements signed by both parties. A ‘statement of intent’ if you will, there is no indication that the buyers have forwarded a fit and proper person application yet.
mactoon(Quote)
I think there is an unfortunate perfect storm here. Ashley was probably told he couldn’t offer a long term contract to Rafa by our new would be owners after all if things didn’t work for some reason they would not want to get stuck with a manager they didn’t want. Rafa on the other hand has had good offers elsewhere so wouldn’t want a short term deal,find himself out of favour and out of the club with potential damage to his global reputation.
What you have are two parties for their own understandable reasons unable to get to a deal that suits them both. It could be great news as it may mean the sale is close.
Best s scenario Rafa sits tight the sale goes through and he is reinstated. Bet we don’t get a new manager until the sale is done. Standby Ben Watson you could be running the first team for à short period
Geordie boy(Quote)