Premier League advised to issue statement on takeover collapse

THE Premier League have been ‘advised’ to make a statement on the collapse of Newcastle United’s takeover by the Independent Football Ombudsman (IFO).

Dozens of Newcastle supporters have got in touch with the IFO after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben Brothers withdrew their offer to buy the Magpies on June 30 because of the ‘prolonged process under the current circumstances coupled with the global uncertainty’.

The IFO was set up by the Football Association, the Premier League and the Football League to investigate complaints that have not been resolved by these bodies.

Just last week, the ombudsman, Professor Derek Fraser, backed the Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust’s call for the Premier League to make a statement ‘explaining how the case was handled’.

Professor Fraser told supporters that the NUST’s request was ‘reasonable’ and that he would ‘advise the Premier League accordingly’.

After being contacted by 50 fans, the ombudsman has reached out to the Premier League and followed through with his pledge to supporters, The Chronicle understands.

Although there has been no contact between No 10 and the IFO, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, had seen the response the ombudsman had sent to Newcastle fans and agreed that the Premier League should make a statement.

In a letter to supporters who had contacted his office, the Prime Minister wrote that he was ‘pleased’ that the IFO had ‘committed to advising the Premier League to provide a statement’.

The Chronicle again checked in with the Premier League yesterday, but we were told the governing body would not be making any comment.