As revealed by just about every media outlet yesterday, Premier League clubs will vote to introduce temporary ban on incoming loan deals between associated party clubs.
The meeting will take place on 21st November and, if 14 of the 20 clubs vote for the new ruling, Newcastle United will NOT be allowed to sign Ruben Neves on loan from Al-Hilal; the Saudi Pro League club also owned by PIF.
I understand the need to scrutinise deals between associated clubs, as it allows those with multi-club models to exploit their power. HOWEVER, so many clubs have been making the most of this for years – so why has it all of a sudden become a problem? Why are our league rivals suddenly scrambling for a ‘temporary ban’ that may scupper our January transfer plans in the midst of an injury crisis? Because little old Newcastle might benefit from it!
The ‘integrity of the Premier League’ was never questioned when Watford and Udinese did related-party transactions each season, nor was it when Bill Foley did deals between Bournemouth and Lorient; two clubs he owns. No one bat an eyelid when Frank Lampard signed for Man City on loan just days after joining New York; a club part of the ‘City Group.’ Then there’s Chelsea’s recent business with Strasbourg over the summer after Todd Boehly bought a majority stake in the Ligue 1 side – the list goes on.
Again, I get the need for clear restrictions that protect against dodgy deals in the long-term, but scrambling for a temporary ban feels typical of the way clubs have lobbied against us before, during and after our Saudi takeover went through. This will be the third or fourth rule change that has been fast-tracked since new owners arrived.
The Premier League didn’t care when we were being exploited under Mike Ashley. But now we have money, power and are looking to explore the loopholes so many other clubs have enjoyed over the past decade, it’s suddenly a problem and there’ll be a meeting in less than two weeks to stop us? What a coincidence.
A final point. After a four-year investigation, Man City were accused by the Premier League of 115 breaches of financial rules. According to reports, it’s likely there’ll be no punishment until 2027, all while they continue to win titles. But Newcastle look to sign Neves on loan following an injury/suspension crisis and a meeting is immediately arranged to railroad our January plans.
And they say we are the ones conspiring…
Just goes to show how corrupt the premier League is. They are trying everything to stop Newcastle upsetting the apple cart of the so called big 6. Disgusting.
Stephen Laker(Quote)