The Premier League has hit back at Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, labelling his accusation that they blocked the collapsed Saudi Arabian takeover as “incorrect” and shifting the blame back onto the Public Investment Fund-backed consortium for failing to produce the “appropriate information”.
Ashley issued a statement via Newcastle on Wednesday night criticising the Premier League and its chief executive Richard Masters, and confirmed that it is taking legal advice over any possible action it may take.
But in response to the claims, a Premier League statement read: “The Premier League was disappointed and surprised by the Newcastle United Football Club statement regarding its potential takeover by PCP Capital Partners, the Reuben Brothers and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF).
“The club’s assertion that the Premier League has rejected the takeover is incorrect.
“The Premier League Board has, on a number of occasions, given its opinion about which entities it believes would have control over the club should the consortium proceed with the acquisition. That opinion is based on legal advice.
“This means the potential takeover could proceed to the next stage should the relevant entities provide all appropriate information. They would then be subject to a suitability assessment by the Board. As an alternative, the Board has repeatedly offered independent arbitration as a way forward since June.
“It is also incorrect to suggest these decisions were taken by any individual; they were agreed unanimously by all Premier League Board members.”
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