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4 weeks ago
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Richard Keys has had his say on the latest Newcastle United takeover controversy.
Premier League approval was given to the Newcastle United takeover back in 2021, when Mike Ashley sold the football club to a consortium led by the Saudi Arabia PIF, with the Reuben family and Amanda Staveley also involved. On 7 October 2021, Mike Ashley finally leaving.
The Newcastle United takeover been back in the spotlight in recent days.
With leaked WhatsApp messages involving Amanda Staveley, claimed by some to ‘prove’ Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ‘controlled the deal’.
I think we can all guess who is behind the leaking of these WhatsApp messages, seemingly leaked to cause problems for the current owners of Newcastle United…
However, a media exclusive from The Mail, reported that the Premier League will not revisit the legality of Newcastle United’s Saudi Arabia PIF led takeover, in light of of these latest claims about the involvement of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Mail stating:
‘They were aware of interactions at government level at the time, but this did not influence their thinking or decision-making in the process of their Owners’ and Directors’ Test, carried out by the Premier League Board.
With regards the messages, her lawyers say she only referenced the Crown Prince in his capacity as PIF chairman and to suggest they cast doubt on the separation of the Saudi state and the running of the club is ‘as illogical as it is misconceived’.’
Now Richard Keys more than happy to jump into the Newcastle United takeover debate/controversy.
Richard Keys writing on his blog – 21 October 2024:
‘So according to reports in The Telegraph MbS controlled the Newcastle United takeover.
No. I don’t believe it.
They go further suggesting whats app messages allege British govt involvement as well.
No. This can’t be true.
I distinctly remember Tracey Crouch, in her review on football governance, stating the game needed an independent administrator and casting doubt on the Newcastle deal going through if one had been in place.
Independent?
Perhaps she meant govt regulator?
Which is really what we’ve been talking about all along.
And the Newcastle deal was always going to happen because the govt at the time wanted it to.
I don’t care too much that Eddie Howe wasn’t interviewed (for the post of England manager), but I would like to know which BAME candidate was – in line with FA policy.
Under the heading RECRUITMENT the FA say this in their guidelines:
‘Shortlists for interview will have at least one male and one female, Black, Asian or of mixed heritage candidate’. So….? Names please Mr Bullingham.’

 
