New details on Saudi takeover saga as key arbitration date is finally confirmed

Newcastle’s delayed arbitration hearing against the Premier League will now take place on the 3rd January, 2022 – although this part of the legal battle will be held in private.

This has been confirmed in the initial Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) taking place today, with Nick De Marco QC present to represent the club at this morning’s hearing.

Interestingly, the introduction of the CAT hearing stated that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund remain keen to own 80% of Newcastle United – playing down recent reports suggesting they were now looking elsewhere following links to Inter Milan.

Adam Lewis QC, speaking on behalf of the Premier League at today’s hearing, has asked to have the CAT case thrown out.

The Premier League are also asking for the final CAT hearing to be held in private, however Mike Ashley’s St James’ Holdings continue to ask for the case to play out in public – suggesting we have nothing to hide.

In response to these opposing arguments, Mr Justice Miles – a member of the CAT panel – had this to say:

“I want to make the following clear that there’s a strong presumption in favour of these hearings taking place in public.

“There’s a lot of public interest in this case.

“Secondly, a good deal of information about the events that happened are already in the public domain.

“In particular, the details about the decisions made by the league are in the public domain.

“On the other hand, there is a confidential arbitration. It is in the nature of arbitration that it is confidential.

“It’s not for one party to say it is does not wish for the matter to be confidential and for that to override the confidentiality of arbitration.

“What we intend to do having heard Mr Lewis’ application is to allow him to present the next part of his case in private, without the livestream.”

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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