Newcastle: Boris Johnson backs calls for Premier League statement on failed takeover
Over 6,000 Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) members wrote to their local MPs, who have also urged the Premier League for transparency
Monday 10 August 2020 09:07, UK
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has backed calls for the Premier League to make a statement on the failed takeover of Newcastle.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers pulled out of a protracted £300m takeover at the end of last month. The PIF criticised the "prolonged process" for their decision to walk away and the Premier League have refused to comment on the matter.
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Over 6,000 Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) members wrote to their local MPs, who have also urged the Premier League for transparency.
The Independent Football Ombudsman, set up by the Football Association, the Premier League and the Football League to investigate complaints, said it had advised the Premier League to release a statement.
Almost 100,000 people have signed a petition calling on the prime minister and the UK government to establish "an independent investigation into the English Premier League takeover process".
In an email to the NUST, the prime minister said there should be "clarity" on why there was such a delay in the decision making process.
"I appreciate that many Newcastle fans were hoping this takeover bid would go ahead and can understand their sense of disappointment," he said.
"I have seen the recent email sent to Newcastle fans from the Independent Football Ombudsman and agree with their conclusion that the Premier League should make a statement on this case. I am pleased that the Ombudsman has committed to advising the Premier League to provide a statement.
"There must be clarity on why there was a significant delay in a decision being made, and on the reasons why the consortium decided to withdraw their bid."
The Premier League has been approached for comment.
