The Northern Echo has a piece on the Amanda Staveley led takeover today.
The latest we have heard is that over 100 days since the takeover papers have been with the Premier League they are now asking who will be running the club.
They are asking Amanda Staveley, who will be on the Board of Directors, and who will in fact be running the club.
And what role, if any, will Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman play in the running of the club.
Those seem basic questions that they should have known about in the first week they receive the takeover papers on or around April 9th.
It seems the PL are now testing the consortium to come up with suitable answers and if they fail to do so they will use that as a way they can turn down the bid.
And if they do turn the bid down after almost four calendar months of being held up, that will be a catastrophe for Newcastle United, the City, and our fans.
This could only happen at Newcastle, and if we were a more fashionable club in London or the north west of England you wonder if this would all be happening.
The majority owners of Newcastle United will be Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) because they will own 80% of the club.
One of the problems the Premier League are confronting is that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is the PIF Chairman, although the PIF governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan (shown above) runs the fund on a day-to-day basis.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan could become the Newcastle United Chairman with Amanda Staveley as the new CEO, will run the club on a day to day basis.
The Northern Echo report the following:
“The Premier League want a clear explanation of where the dividing lines lie, and are understood to be seeking guarantees that the Saudi rulers will not be the de facto owners of Newcastle.”
“No matter what names actually feature on the paperwork submitted by Staveley and her team.”
If Staveley can prove the Saudi Kingdon will not be the de-facto owners of the club then the deal could go through.
That’s because the PL will not have to defend the terrible human rights record of the Saudi rulers.
But that could be difficult with the PIF being the majority owner of Newcastle.
The other sticking point is the pirating of beIN Sports TV signals by the Saudi based beoutQ channel.
And the decision of the World Trade Organization (WTO) that the Saudi Kingdom did not do enough to stop those illegal broadcasts.
And a few weeks ago the Kingdom banned all beIN Sports broadcasts in Saudi Arabia and that seemed to put the cat among the pigeons.
It seemed a ridiculous move, done without any sound reasoning behind it.
But it’s now up to the Staveley consortium to provide the rather delicate answers that can allow the Premier League to OK the deal.
But it is also now being widely reported the exclusivity of the Stevley takeover has run out, and other bidders are now able to negotiate with Mike Ashley.
Oh my!
===============
Let’s hope this takeover goes through.
But if not then let’s hope that some other would-be buyer – maybe Californian Billionaire Henry Mauriss can come in and quickly agree a deal with Ashley.
And then get his bid through the Premier League in the average time it usually takes for a takeover to go through the owners’ and directors’ test – three weeks.
Either way, that would mean we have new owners maybe before the season starts on September 12th, but certainly, before the transfer window closes on October 8th.
And as we’ve said before, the longer this uncertainty goes on this summer, the more likely it will be that Steve Bruce will be kept on as manager.
That’s both for continuity reasons and to calm things down, so Newcastle can move forward next season.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
163 comments so far
Anglo Saxon
Jul 29, 2020 at 10:51 AM
Comment #1repost.
JAF, Last night, My favorite player of all time was David Hockney, well I would of liked his painting of the swimming pool, sold for 80mill.
The nufc player’s name was Trevor Hockey.
Just stick to swooning over Jib, DOPPY.
Kevin Vegan
Jul 29, 2020 at 10:54 AM
Comment #2geordie157, repos
Unfortunately, “business as usual” means 9 weeks of plate-spinning practice before they all come crashing down and we end up signing some lad who scored 3 in 30 up top for Vojvodina in the Serbian superliga and Sevilla’s 4th choice left-back on loan.
Hail Wor Staveley
Jul 29, 2020 at 10:54 AM
Comment #3Yes, I think if C. Wilson came in and Fraser too, they already have a great understanding. Now add the Willems/ ASM combination creating from the other side and I reckon Wilson could do very well in front of goal.
Genjikai
Jul 29, 2020 at 10:56 AM
Comment #4It would be stupid to sell maxi anyway if he continues to improve as he has been the hell be worth 80 mill if not more.
If we are playing the cash in game Ashley please wait at least another year.
Genjikai
Jul 29, 2020 at 10:57 AM
Comment #5Thats the one phrase that i read the other day that genuinely scared me.
Charnley said business as usual.
We all know what that means.
Ive tried to forget about it but cant.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jul 29, 2020 at 10:57 AM
Comment #6Never understood why we have never given Muto a run of say 4 or 5 games to see what he can do
When we signed him he looked like he could be a player similar to Okazaki for Leicester pace, movement, heavy work rate for pressing other teams and can pop up with a few goals
So many games this season with Joelinton its not worked and Muto was sat on the bench and we would then bring Carroll on and just hoof it which rarely worked
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jul 29, 2020 at 10:59 AM
Comment #7I suppose the only issue with Callum Wilson is he is unbelievably injury prone!
Add in Gayle and Carroll as the other strikers and wow you will barely have a fit striker the whole season!
Genjikai
Jul 29, 2020 at 10:59 AM
Comment #8Lee
We just look better when gayle is uptop.
So i could see muto doing the same.
hibbit
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:01 AM
Comment #9Genjikai if Ashleys still here he’ll have a number and as soon as someone hits it ASM will be gone,
Anglo Saxon
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:01 AM
Comment #10It’s wee jimmy Krankie, enjoy your kicking last night, just toe the line that’s all we are asking, step out and we will come down like a ton of bricks. Enjoy the site.
P.S Dare have another go at Carltoon at your peril.
Mund
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:02 AM
Comment #11hibbit
I was thinking the same. Wraith got asked the question last night on the podcast he thinks upwards of 50M but I Think of someone came in with 50M cash he would snap there hands off
onmeedsun
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:03 AM
Comment #12There is no way that the Consortium can prove that MBS has no involvement in the running of PIF and NUFC. He might not be on paperwork etc but all he has to do is talk to the PIF governor and tell him what he wants to happen. He is an absolute ruler and what he says goes. Hence you get daft decisions like banning Bein. No one is allowed to challenge rulers in these MEast countries. Hopefully this is the PL giving the consortium a route to approval if they provide compliant answers. If it’s more complicated than that I fear it will fail.
onmeedsun
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:07 AM
Comment #13Bunga
Agree about Muto.
Further evidence that Bruce too one dimensional. A good manager would know the formation that would get a tune out of players like Muto. He just hasn’t used his full squad. Rafa was the same in this regard so not much better.
giimps
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:14 AM
Comment #14What difference does it make whether MBS is bead of more than one company ?
There are thousands of football clubs where the head of o e company owns or runs a football club as well, he is not king so is not the ruler as such (at least for the minute) and even if he were , where in the OD test does it say an owner cannot be a ruler of a country or have control over its investment fund?
I dont get “the structure of the consortium is causing issues” , i believe the prem are either waiting for the final wto declaration or the prem shareholders meeting (Friday) before telling the consortium they have a green light
Mund
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:17 AM
Comment #15Anglo there’s been something like 4 times he has tried to get carltoon biting and one of the reasons I go at him as much as I do
Anglo Saxon
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:20 AM
Comment #16Mund, he’s been rumbled, so his cards been marked, he’ll be a laughing stock with his mates. See where we go from here.
Anyways good morning hope you’re in fine fettle
Mund
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:21 AM
Comment #17Anglo I’m good mate just out shopping with the wife all masked up. Hope all is well
hibbit
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:22 AM
Comment #18he goes after carltoon because he knows she’s the one poster all sides of the fence will back , and he has more chance of a bite,
Anglo Saxon
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:23 AM
Comment #19Yeh OK mate.ready for off myself, the wife has the shopping list, the joys of shopping EH. catch you later.
Mund
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:24 AM
Comment #20And I’m the problem apparently
Hail Wor Staveley
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:27 AM
Comment #21Muto, like Ki, I think was brought in for commercial reasons above the manager’s head as Sports Direct expanded into Asia.
Muto is actually a good player though and deserved more of a chance than he has been given. 1 in 3 in a mid to lower German team, often not playing as ST is a good return. Surely offers more than Joelinton. Alas, I think it’s too late now and he’ll be away.
Anglo Saxon
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:27 AM
Comment #22Hibbit he looks for the weakest link mate but as you know carltoon is not stupid.
And she’s also not aggressive. NOT like us anyways.
Jambot
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:27 AM
Comment #23Just a thought but if we are taken over could the new owners (PIF) not create a new nufctv and broadcast in their own country?
Mund
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:27 AM
Comment #24Just finished mine enjoy Anglo 😉
onmeedsun
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:29 AM
Comment #25Gimps.
I think it does make a difference as if the consortium via PIF can be linked to the Saudi state, then it brings the piracy issue into the tests. I am desperate for this to be approved, but we need to take our B&W goggles off and look at this objectively, as I hope Staveley has already done. The MEast does not run like the UK. They are not democracies. The rulers can directly influence everything. It would be better if MBS was not Chairman of the PIF, but there is a good reason why he is. Ultimate control.
Anglo Saxon
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:29 AM
Comment #26Mund lucky you. Right under starters orders, catch you later be good unless the tw@t starts.
Hail Wor Staveley
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:30 AM
Comment #27Not saying Muto was solely brought in for commercial reasons relating to SD expansion, but one of the criteria. He’s seemed marginalised since his arrival, as if foisted on to Rafa as a compromise signing – “here’s a ST with a decent record, isn’t expensive and who also fits a certain profile.”.
Mund
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:32 AM
Comment #28Later Anglo have a good one catch ya later
Just a fan
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:43 AM
Comment #29Maybe I worded it wrong.
The first player I favoured was hockey. A hard working winger as I recall.
Doppy
Maybe I’m not the only one who can misspell.
magicmac54
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:44 AM
Comment #30Onmeedsun comment@12 very good post and i totally agree with your post, to be honest i think this takeover has run its coarse unfortunately, for me its not the premier league who are holding up the takeover its the consortium pif, they know the rules and what is required to be an owner of a premier league club but for what ever reason they seem to be reluctant to comply with the rules of the premier league, so based on the length of time that has passed and the mood music i think its not going to happen. I hope to God iam wrong as i would really love this takeover to happen just like all Newcastle fans, i think at the moment some fans are letting their hearts rule thier heads, even Alan shearer thinks its not going to happen now. HWTL
Muz
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:45 AM
Comment #31Muto was shafted from the get go.
Rafa didn’t want to know because he wasn’t a player he picked so he left on him on the sidelines.
Bruce didn’t play him because Ashley sp*nked £40M on Joelinton and he was given his instructions from above to play him. Also, Bruce is a dinosaur. I don’t think he saw any potential in a striker who’s only 5’8 and weighs 11 stone when his gameplan is to hoof it up the pitch.
Jib
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:45 AM
Comment #32nufc 11
The brand of football was absolutely dire, paint drying was more entertaining, it makes me wonder constantly why I even bother.
Truth to tell I don’t think you do bother much
Some games were dire some were OK a few were quite good
Apart from the Champo season under Rafa there hasn’t been
over much to shout about since Ba Cisse and Cabaye were here
ming the merciless
Jul 29, 2020 at 11:48 AM
Comment #33there were about eight premier league clubs that complained to the premier league about Man City for there spending on transfers who was one of them Newcastle United so if the to six complain about City they will have complained about this takeover because one of them would get their noes shoved out permanently that’s where the trouble lies I think all this talk about they don’t know who will own the club how do these journalists know this premier league cant and wont say anything or they are leaving them selves wide open to prosecution by the bidders
Rotonda heights
Jul 29, 2020 at 12:01 PM
Comment #34jib
pretty sure we got 10th first season back, not too shabby
Hail Wor Staveley
Jul 29, 2020 at 12:04 PM
Comment #35Out:
Schar – £15m
Yedlin – £8m
Lejeune – £2m
Atsu – £4m
J. Murphy – £6m
Aarons – release
Saivet – release
Muto – £7m
£42m raised
42 + 35 = £77m to spend.
in:
Willems – £5m
Stones – loan
Cyprien – £20m
Fraser – free
C. Wilson – £20m
Would you leave you with about £25m.
The thought of this guy being available for less than £30m is appealing too – he screams quality PL centre forward and no9 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOWZYaK-8rc
The fact everything at this club moves at a sloth’s pace, Bruce and Ashley only meeting today 3 days into the window, I expect about half the number of those in and outs.
Will be interesting to hear from Bruce in his next interview, post Mash meeting.
Jib
Jul 29, 2020 at 12:04 PM
Comment #36Rotonda heights
jib pretty sure we got 10th first season back, not too shabby
true
but the convo was about the footy on view which has been very shabby
Do keep up
I know it can be difficult when you’re bluffing people that you know the game
Essex Geordie Bill
Jul 29, 2020 at 12:19 PM
Comment #37JAF
Don’t know if you saw it but I did reply to your Trevor hockey comment last night!
Essex Geordie Bill
Jul 29, 2020 at 12:21 PM
Comment #38Robleenio
Don’t know if you watched the cricket but the WI’s have their own version of the Beast. 🙂
Essex Geordie Bill
Jul 29, 2020 at 12:28 PM
Comment #39JAF
He seemed to have had a varied career with a lot of clubs many in MLS
Sadly died of a heart attack at the age of 43
Mund
Jul 29, 2020 at 12:31 PM
Comment #40Kate Osborne
@KateOsborneMP
Many constituents have contacted me concerning the #NUFCtakeover.
Dedicated fans have been put through an unnecessary rollercoaster which is causing mental anguish to some in communities I represent.
I urge
@premierleague
to at least publish a timescale