Newcastle confirm legal proceedings against Premier League over failed Saudi takeover
Newcastle are suing the Premier League following the failed Saudi takeover chairman Mike Ashley has confirmed.
The Magpies were the subject of a £300m bid from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers.
But that offer was withdrawn and Newcastle have accused the Premier League of “leaking” information relating to their ongoing legal challenge.
Mike Ashley was left devastated with how the saga played out and has blamed Prem chief Richard Masters.
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Separate action is being taken by two fans who claimed that a breach of anti-competition law was committed by not accepting the takeover.
And in their response to that challenge the Premier League’s lawyers cited Ashley’s own case, leading to the statement.
It read: “The Club has previously not commented on the arbitration it is pursuing against the Premier League (‘EPL’) with respect to its conduct relating to the proposed takeover because of the confidentiality clause in the EPL’s rules.
“However, the Club is aware of public reports which state that, on 17 November, the EPL referred to legal proceedings with the Club (e.g. social media posts referring to the “Club’s own legal case”) in a letter to Newcastle supporters.
“The source of some of the reporting is said to be the EPL. It appears, therefore, that the EPL has leaked the contents of their letter to some of those commenting in the public domain.
“The Club understands that these will be matters of great concern to its fans and therefore considers that, in light of the information disclosed by the EPL, it has no choice but to respond and update its fans in response to this coverage.
“The Club makes no comment on the substance of the arbitration, but it can confirm that it has issued arbitration proceedings against the EPL.
“It is unclear when those proceedings will be resolved, given the approach of the EPL and its lawyers, Bird & Bird. Nevertheless, the Club will continue to use its best efforts to press for a fair, full and timely hearing of its claim.”