During the explosive Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) hearing last month, QC Daniel Jowell claimed that Premier League clubs had lobbied against the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcasle United.
This is some of what the lawyer said at the time:
“A number of major clubs that control or strongly influence the Premier League also joined in the lobbying against the deal. Richard Masters (Premier League chief executive) held more than one direct meeting with beIN at this time.
“We say this lobbying distorted the Premier League’s fair and objective application of the rules. The result of all of this is that PIF pulled out of the takeover.”
Jowell accused the Premier League of being unduly influenced by both beIN Sports and ‘major clubs’ in the league. BeIN Sports were negotiating a new broadcast deal when the owner’s and directors’ tests were ongoing.
Due to a prolonged dispute over piracy within Saudi Arabia, the broadcasters were supposedly using some leverage to lobby against the takeover. The piracy saga was dramatically resolved last week when Saudi Arabia agreed to pay compensation for the piracy – an agreement that in part paved the way for Newcastle’s sale to our new ownership group.
On Friday, The Guardian reported that the rest of the Premier League are demanding an emergency meeting about the takeover. According to the report, the rest of the league are ‘united in opposition’ to Newcastle’s takeover.
They want an emergency meeting to discuss why the deal was suddenly pushed through and without their foreknowledge. They are also said to be concerned that the reputation of the league could take a hit with Saudi involvement.
The Mail is also reporting that some clubs are ‘furious’ with this takeover. Though Craig Hope’s report takes aim primarily at Tottenham as being the primary agitator.
In his report, Hope claims Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is frantically trying to block Newcastle from bringing in a new sponsor. Though Levy has no power to prevent such a deal.
The report also names Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal as having lobbied against the takeover from early in the process. This is to be expected as these clubs all tried to break away and join a new European Super League just around six months ago.
They simply don’t want more competition, especially from a sleeping giant like Newcastle. They appear to be shaking in their boots at the prospect of Newcastle United backed by ambitious owners and a loyal, true fanbase.
76 comments so far
Optimistic prime
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:30 AM
Comment #1Mund
You’re on Twitter, Send a message to Ghod or someone lol.
I don’t know who uses it.
Optimistic prime
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:31 AM
Comment #2If lobbying against a takeover is indeed against the law, sue those footers!
More money for the transfer kitty lol
Optimistic prime
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:32 AM
Comment #3Has anyone seen Ibiza or has he got stuck on the fence and can’t reach a keyboard?
Optimistic prime
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:33 AM
Comment #4Everybody hates us and it feels great.
JP...from The Rock
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:34 AM
Comment #5Amanda thinks our training facilities are awful. I agree they must be really out dated. How long will it take to make it into a good standard to attract stars in January though?
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/10/09/newcastle-training-ground-amanda-staveley/
Optimistic prime
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:35 AM
Comment #6JP
The facilities would be a lot brighter if the Ogre of Greggs didn’t stalk its corridors.
¥
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:38 AM
Comment #7There’s an ideal chance to give that Knacker Levy a welcome he won’t forget in a weeks time.
JP...from The Rock
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:40 AM
Comment #8OP – SSN said he’s almost certaint to be sacked before the game against Spurs.
Great news.
I would like someone that plays great attacking football and knows the league well. Brendan Rodgers would be great imho.
Optimistic prime
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:45 AM
Comment #9Guiteterez on SSN 2mins
giimps
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:46 AM
Comment #10The “big 6” wanted the premier league to delay the takeover ( probably both hoping it would not happen , and hoping they would not care as they would be in a super league when it happened) the premier league a, should not have even discussed anything regarding any potential new owners and B , should have disclosed that they were discussing a potential tv deal with a company directly in opposition to the potential new owners….that never happened either.
At the end of the day, nobody can change what has happened now,no club, no organisation and no matter how much they shout, the deal is done, the plans are in place , they will just have to deal with another competitor at the top of the tree…..and about time too
Mund
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:49 AM
Comment #11Me personally and I think i should be able to speak for the rest of you in saying Mike who….??
Leave that nightmare behind you, let all the anger and frustrations leave you.
Sit back with that huge smile that will last a lifetime, put you’re feet up and enjoy the ride what can only be explained as the ultimate football fantasy come true.
peter5199
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:52 AM
Comment #12We just need to buy Man U bench from their last game (2-2 vs Everton) £325m
peter5199
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:55 AM
Comment #13I reckon 1 defender, 2 midfield and a good striker will be bought as soon as window opens. No good waiting 6 weeks and only having 10 games left to keep up.
CW good but leg of glass
peter5199
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:56 AM
Comment #14Oh! and goalkeeper, we have loads, but surely we should sign up the Welsh International keeper. Did anyone see Czech 2nd goal?
Mund
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:58 AM
Comment #15OP
Just tweeted this.
@ghodoussi
What’s the chances we can get
@NCSL1892 @nickdemarco_
and Daniel Jowell on the pitch vs Spurs so the fans can show there appreciation for there brilliant efforts? Black circleWhite circle #NUFC
Optimistic prime
Oct 9, 2021 at 11:59 AM
Comment #16Cheers Mund
sparky55
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:00 PM
Comment #17Levy is a proper scum bag…and because he knows he’s now on the very periphery of the top 6 with a questionable manager at that level, he knows we are their single biggest threat now to their pending obscurity outside the European places.
You’ve gotta laf!
Tossa!
JP...from The Rock
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:00 PM
Comment #18Great article by the Chronicle here of their interview with Amanda.
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/amanda-staveley-exclusive-full-transcript-21798354?utm_source=chronicle_live_newsletter&utm_campaign=nufc_newsletter2&utm_medium=email&pure360.trackingid=
Optimistic prime
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:04 PM
Comment #19Seems Amanda and the Consortium get us and we need a manager and DOF who does too.
Players are here nor there atm, the real deal is who’s getting the hot seats.
I’m dying for some bloody news even though there’s been more in 48hrs than 14years, greedy now!
IrishRob
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:12 PM
Comment #20On Coutinho, I genuinely think a move to Nufc would transform him, he’s only just turned 29, he has years left.
He’s been played out of position since he left Liverpool and his confidence is shot. Bring him here to be a big fish in a small pond, it would transform him.
That aside I think players we should be after are players who are insanely good yet underrated and will still come here, the likes of Zaha, Chilwell, Soucek, Lingard, Aarons, Tarkowski, Kamara, maybe even DvdB.
Mansgers I’d hate to see here would be Gerrard, Rogers, Martinez, Howe, Manchini… I just don’t think they’re the right fit.
Managers I’d love to see would be Farve, Conte, Mourinho, Pirlo, Low.
I think Farve has to be top choice, amazing tactician amazing knowledge, he’s a free agent and he wouldn’t have notions of being too big for us atm.
RolandoOverhead
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:14 PM
Comment #21The scandalous six up in arms about our new owners. More brass neck than Cashley!
They deserved massive fines and huge points deductions and were given less than a slap on the wrist!
Citeh, Gooners and Maunre, Spuds and Rats and Chelski.
Stick your objections up your ass, you pathetic bunch of hypocrites.
WLtoon
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:19 PM
Comment #22Frank Mcpartland to be DOF
Just a fan
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:23 PM
Comment #23Shearer.
Always felt there is a good manager in there somewhere with the right club and right circumstances.
Maybe the right club but not the right circumstances at the moment.
WLtoon
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:25 PM
Comment #24Tarkowski would be an ideal fit for us in January, i can see that happening tbh.
Ward Prowse would also be a possibility, no world beaters but a damn side better than what we have , for now.
Those 2 players alone would make all the difference, add a striker to that then safety would be seen as a given, as long as we have the right manager in place of course
ArtyH
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:28 PM
Comment #25For those who can remember, when special K came to the toon for the first time, look what he achieved! Yes it was a long time ago but shows what can be made possible, recently Leicester city did exactly that, and look at them now! I would be over the moon if we 1) got a new manager of quality to turn things around. 2) acquired a new C/F , C/M and a C/H, anything else would be a bonus. I think if memory serves, Brian ” killer ” Kilcline was one of the first signings Keegan made to shore up the defence, similar to now. I do not care what the new owners spend in monetary terms this window as survival is the only goal. Due to years of decline we now find ourselves with a lotto win and all the shops are closed. I am sure the way the PIF have gone about their business in a fully professional manner they have things worked out short term to protect their investment and keep the fans happy, after all that’s what its all about. I am sure we all agree, as long as there is good/great football being played and enjoyed by the fans, no on cares how much the owners make in the process. Shame the last owner did not realise that…..
magscar
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:28 PM
Comment #26Normally I wouldn’t care for legal eagles parading on pitch instead of some legends but the more I’ve dwelt on how deal went through and what preceded it i don’t think it is coinicdence that CAT predated this cave in
So yes if they want a share of the spotlight before the game i wouldn’t object but not sure they will want it
The arrogance of likes of Levy was sickening before ( Breakaway league) but his latest actions surpass that
I was happy to just let things take their course as we start our new era and not worry about oppostion motans but…
i would love it just love it…
if there’s now comeback and damage on Levy and Spurs and the other 3 self-serving clubs as we grow
Vask
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:29 PM
Comment #27I’m in the build the infrastructure camp. Obviously a new manager is paramount. Having a pragmatic coaching team could guide us to safety with the amount of points still available with games to spare.
I would like to see a few signings in January, doesn’t have to be superstars just players who can improve competition and gel quick with our current crop of players.
Build up some steady momentum become hard to beat and gradually add to the squad over the next few windows.
Who knows with a favourable draw we could have an exciting and extended (by recent standards) cup run next season. With the fanbase behind the team anything can be possible.
SuperShearer
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:29 PM
Comment #28As if I needed anymore reason to despise Levy – he’s such a little worm of a man. He’s made terrible decision after terrible decision for Spurs – he should have never sacked Pochettino – who is easily one of the top 10 managers in world football right now.
The ESL is being brought harshly into perspective, did they try to rush it through because of this takeover? I can only pray so and now look at them, all floundering around going “But it’s not fair!” – GROW. THE. F. UP – it’s a business, you didn’t complain when City and Chelski did it? Why us? We used to be a top 4 team and we will be again (in time, walk before we can run please).
SuperShearer
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:30 PM
Comment #29On a personal note I would like to say I gave up hope a LONG time ago but was always happy to see those that maintained hope.
To those that did, I’m delighted I was wrong and you were right.
DubaiMicky
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:34 PM
Comment #30This is a really good show, Steve Wraith doesn’t talk much but Mick Lowes absolutely nails it.
https://youtu.be/67Mo24tgG9o
Vask
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:35 PM
Comment #31So what is our current best team? We get to consider other formations now. What do people think is the formation best suited to our players?
sparky55
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:36 PM
Comment #32IMO games are won and lost in midfield…and our midfield is woeful.
Keegan threw away the Premiership when he brought in Asprilla and changed the proven 4-4-2 formation that had beaten just about everybody up until the February before Asprilla landed.
Our midfield is pants…and if any of you play fantasy premier league or anything like it…just look at the ratings of the Newcastle midfield to see what the data proves…hardly anyone in our midfield is outside the bottom 10%…and there’s our problem right there.
So for me we need a quality and proven enforcer and a play-maker in January…fcuk knows who, and fcuk knows who would come…but we simply have to sort out the midfield first…the defence IMO is ok…but they’ve sold down the river too many times by a midfield that are off the pace and too far away from their men. IMO
fatha1965
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:37 PM
Comment #33Hypocrisy abounds,so now he’s worrying about a league he didn’t want to be in anyway.
WarrenBartonCentreParting
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:37 PM
Comment #34It was weird seeing the picture of Masters and Levy in each others company at last Weekends fixtures,
Looks like Richard forgot to inform Daniel of the impending sale during the half time prawn sandwiches…
Manager wise, with German coaches doing quite well in the Premiership I’d be interested in diver supreme Jurgen Klinsmann, always had a decent record managing at International level.
Mund
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:41 PM
Comment #35If anyone missed Guti
https://mobile.twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1446799542112894976
Optimistic prime
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:41 PM
Comment #36Sparky
I blame Batty the crab more than Asprila.
Keegan listened to the press and got a DM in instead of Continuing with all out attack and we never settled.
toonrobbybobson
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:41 PM
Comment #37Technically the EPL will be happy of the cash injection now that the TV piracy has been settled. It first levels up the league to another level against other leagues in terms of money. It will trickle down from covid. It protects them from the Super League more as the greedy 6. The other clubs outside the Prem financially struggling will likely be targeted for transfers which will relieve some of their financial pressures short term for super league but also weaken them as clubs losing their best assets like at Barcelona with their $1.2bn debts. Expect some very astute signings. Expect our revenues to double quickly also as fans buy back in and new sponsorship deals. We will be more interesting again to outside eyes as to how this plays out so it will be marketed heavily. They now have an instant following from KSA and the natural interest now from the rest of the MENA region. Likes of Spurs and Arsenal will be extremely worried. Power has just massively shifted. As fans we just need to be patient and be appreciative of that fact based on where we have been for the last 14 years. We need to remain humble even though we are going to be hated.
magscar
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:43 PM
Comment #38Just caught the end of Football Focus segment featuring us (was watching Wraith and Lowes on YT – good) wil have to watch on Iplayer as Caulkin and Lad from NUST ( i think) were just finishing) talking
The obvious disconnect between us fans who have lived this era including Bruce and pundits ( who only ever pay attention when we crop up on progamme) was all so apparent
It is simply repreentative of how we have become rrelevant under Ashley as far as football programmes are concerned and they are never prepped ( like Wrighty has become under Shearer’s tutelage)
Ashley Williams just latest to lazily argue Bruce’s case to stay at least for 1000 game – they just don’t get it because they don’t pay us attention
Mind some might be surprised at some of Mick Lowes thoughts on the Wraith show on Pardew and Bruce but it’s a good watch if long
Especially when he gets into those trying to make us be the shock troops against KSA
geoff777
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:45 PM
Comment #39The Premier League were desperate to avoid the spotlight that legal proceedings were bringing.
Once BeIn and KSA sorted their differences the EPL were desperate to get it done asap.
The EPL will have had so much government pressure on them, desperate for the investment and Saudi friendship.
I don’t think that Levy bitching in Masters ear 48 hours too late is going to achieve much.
Good to be back.
Howay the Lads
cleveleysbob
Oct 9, 2021 at 12:46 PM
Comment #40How come nobody has mentioned Bielsa?
He could bring a certain midfielder with him. 😉