Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has downplayed the weight behind the recent warning issued by Premier League chief executive Richard Masters concerning Newcastle United's owners.
The Magpies were taken over by a Saudi consortium in October, prompting the raising of concerns regarding sportswashing and drawing opposition from Amnesty International.
However, the takeover was eventually completed and a new era has since been ushered in, one that is is being spearheaded by former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe.
Masters recently revealed that the new owners can be removed it becomes evident that the Saudi state are taking control of the club, although admitted he does not think this will be the case.
He told BBC Sport : "In that instance, I don’t think we would know (about Newcastle taking orders from the Saudi Crown Prince). I don’t think it is going to happen.
"There are legally binding assurances that essentially the state will not be in charge of the club.
“If we find evidence to the contrary, we can remove the consortium as owners of the club. That is understood."
However, Maguire has insisted it is difficult to imagine the Premier League uncovering evidence of state involvement now having failed to find any prior to the completion of the takeover.
He told Football Insider : "He would say that, wouldn’t he?
"The Premier League spent two years looking into PIF and reached the conclusion that there was no evidence of state involvement.
"If you can’t find it in two years, it’s difficult to imagine them finding it now. So I don’t think it’s a threat that carries much weight.
"In theory, they’ll now be spending that time looking after the long-term interests of fans, or even the short-term interests of fans."
Although investment in the playing squad is expected, the extent of the new regime's financial power has not yet been revealed as supporters wait for the opening of the January transfer window.
The takeover has also not yet paid dividends when it comes to results, as the Magpies are still waiting for their first win of the post-Mike Ashley era.
