Keith Downie has revealed what sources close to the PIF and Saudi-consortium have told Sky Sports News in response to Richard Masters’ letter to Newcastle MP Chi Onwurah.
This letter from the Premier League CEO was the first time top flight chiefs have commented on the matter since the Saudi bid was pulled a two weeks ago, and it seems those close to the bid have been left perplexed by some of his claims.
Here’s the three messages Sky Sports’ Keith Downie has shared following contact with ‘sources close’ to the Saudi buyers / PIF:
A source close to PIF has told SSN tonight that the consortium provided written assurances from the highest possible government department, notably the Saudi Royal Court, that the Kingdom would have no influence over the running of NUFC.
If that were true and let’s face, we have no idea what is true and what isn’t as the situation changes virtually hourly, then surely this means the statement from Masters is untrue. Would they really go public with a lie? Who knows, but these are strong counter claims from the Saudi side regarding the ‘problematic’ link between PIF / KSA.
The source close to Saudi-led group told SSN it was impossible for them to offer any further detail about the independence of the consortium from the State. Source added that the idea the group were holding back information was “bizarre”.
If they wanted the deal and were serious (and I have no doubt at all they were), then all I can think is that either they had something to hide or the Premier League really, really don’t want to have them in any way shape or form.
Our source claims the consortium were only offered arbitration on the single point regarding the question of how much influence the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would have on the day-to-day running of the football club.
Not only offered arbitration on ONE single point but offered it despite a decision not being made? Now, I’m no business expert but I always understood that arbitration only came in when there was a clear dispute/disagreement. How can one come about before a decision has even been made?!
In this case there was no decision from the Premier League so to suggest arbitration on a decision they didn’t make is wrong.
Even if they were prepared to say, “we can’t approve because of this single point but we can go to arbitration.” Or “give us the written assurances on this single point and then we’ll make a decision,” that would have been clearer.
At the moment though it appears to be a stand-off on both sides with claim and counterclaim being made. And in the mean time, there’s strong talk of the Singapore-based BN Group upping their interest, if these bold ‘exclusives’ from the Shields Gazette are to be believed.
I believe that the PIF are bitterly disappointed and frustrated and have probably been edged to no more action because they now don’t want to work with the Premier League structure.
But, whatever the situation, I’m going to change complete tack on this story and publicly thank @SkySports_Keith for the tireless way he’s tried to report the fact whilst still showing he supports the takeover and is desperate for the fans to get what they want one way or another.
Let’s hope some form of resolution arrives shortly!
Follow us on Twitter (@NUFCBlogcouk) & find us on Facebook HERE
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/19/tv-rights-company-pouring-millions-into-english-football-pitch-international-qatar
geoff777(Quote)
Sources close to lol
Crystal ball stuff.
Cocobear(Quote)
You haven’t got much right. The royal letter is just them saying we won’t have influence. It doesn’t stop them having it. Arbitration can easily be carried out on this determination of PIF/KSA – doesn’t need a final decision
Dave2223(Quote)
I wonder ?if some legal agency with the power and authority to have a look at all the head people’s accounts at the premier league what would they find? Wouldn’t it be interesting if certain people I.e Hoffman and masters bank accounts suddenly had a large spike in mystery funds appearing during the time the pif group wanted to buy Newcastle and started the ODT these corrupt cronies have been paid man!! ?by the heads of bein/Qutar makes me sick ?
Michael(Quote)
Personally blame the Russians.
Rodzilla(Quote)
…they’ve been suspiciously quiet during this hoo-haa.
Rodzilla(Quote)
Seriously though, now is not the best time to invest hundreds of millions in a sport that relies on fan funds, I.E. gate receipts and merchandising.
With our current government, and the whole world gamut for that matter, not knowing their arses from their elbows at the moment, it makes no sense to invest in a business with an indeterminable future.
Yes, the new season starts in a month, but where is the money coming from? 52k X £40 every week. Think about it.
Rodzilla(Quote)
…expect this transfer window to be VERY quiet.
Rodzilla(Quote)
Chops and Brucie are not on the best of terms so that would he him oot…!
Peter henderson(Quote)
Quite simply, TV money and sponsorship. It’s not 52k x £40 every week either. It would be more like 52K x 40 x 19 – That’s if he can sell 52k. More likely to be 40k. Turnover of £178m last year would show fans input to be about 25%.
DB(Quote)
It seems the Qatari influence grows deeper by the day. Apparently they are monitoring a Saudi bid for Marseille with great interest. (Expect the same level of scrutiny that NUFC received)
DB(Quote)
Is the premier league’s position not being dictated by the fact that their sponsorship deal with Barclays bank is conflicting with Amanda Staveley sueing Barclays bank for 1.6 billion. It all seems very suspicious. How much pressure is Barclays putting on the premier league’s exec?
Ian Duncan(Quote)
At a time of a pandemic and a expected unprecedented recession Masters is toying with people’s lives. The truth seems to be he would put any obstacle to delay this takeover. I stated this on the 30th June. it was stated there were no red flags . There seems to be coullesion, and conspiracy rife in this transaction. As regarding arbitration surely a man in his position should no to do this you have to have a conclusion to this takeover. The fans the NUST, and cross party MPs of Northumberland and other counties have added their support. Your reply is all smoke and mirrors, you are holding back the chance for one of your members to prosper and community to gain at this unsure time. There are a million questions I would like to ask you ie Manchester City, Chelsea, Sheffield United, Southampton, and other Premier league clubs. Why are you making Newcastle your whipping boy. How can you sit in judgement on Newcastle while we selling arms to Saudi Arabia. Hypocrisy at the highest level, if this is not biased judgement you are in the wrong vocation.
Eric(Quote)