The theory that the Premier League's so-called 'big six' influenced the outcome of the Saudi-led takeover bid of Newcastle United is not as far fetched as it might sound according to Sky Sports' Jeff Stelling.
The Soccer Saturday presenter spoke about the belief that clubs such as Tottenham and Liverpool put pressure on top-flight bosses to reject the attempted buy-out - and following the European Super League proposals said the theory, which was put forward by Amanda Staveley, might not be 'so daft.'
The discussion on the takeover - which is currently set for arbitration - began with Paul Merson, a panellist on the show, joking that the deal had been going on longer than a 'sofa sale that will end on Bank Holiday.'
Stelling responded: "This is the public investment fund of Saudi Arabia, who were effectively blocked – a lot of the fans believe, and I don’t know whether this is a Machiavellian plot, but the big six could have played a part in having this blocked because they don’t want to see Newcastle as another rival.
“And maybe what happened with the European Super League with those six, it’s not so daft. Who knows?”
The Public Investment Fund - which is the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia - had teamed up with Staveley and the Reuben Brothers and had agreed on a price to take the club off Mike Ashley but pulled the plug on the deal last July after the Premier League delayed the outcome of the owners and directors test.
Chronicle Live exclusively revealed last month that the Premier League told the British government that a decision on the deal was 'possible' within 24 hours on June 21st - only for nothing to happen.
Ashley has taken legal action in a last attempt to force through the deal.
