Read on Twitter
This seems like an escalation. Newcastle claim Premier League rejected the PIF deal. Different spin on things
Key things why this is interesting.
1. The consortium said they "withdrew" their bid because of delays getting approval, not because the Owners test had been failed. That's a way of saving face. Ashley has just exploded that. Not clear why he would.
1. The consortium said they "withdrew" their bid because of delays getting approval, not because the Owners test had been failed. That's a way of saving face. Ashley has just exploded that. Not clear why he would.
2. Premier League chief Richard Masters doesn't make the decision on whether the Ownership test is passed. The PL board does. The statement explicitly trying to personalise the blame. Not sure fans will care about the nuances
3. The logical implication of Newcastle/Ashley's statement is that Saudi Arabia is not considered a fit and proper owner by the PL. Neither the consortium nor the PL has ever said this.
4. What are these "relevant options" that Newcastle/Ashley might take? Legal action? Why not say considering legal action?
5. Ultimately, why speak out now? As with so much in this deal, so much heat, so little light.
Full @FT story coming up
Full @FT story coming up
Here’s the @FT story https://www.ft.com/content/88cc952f-67c3-4da7-ac9a-2e44217affe1
