Premier League hits back at Newcastle owner Mike Ashley | OneFootball

The Premier League has hit back at Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, claiming the club's protracted takeover was not officially rejected.

The Saudi state-owned Public Investment Fund withdrew their £300m takeover bid last month, citing lengthy delays and economic reasons.

Newcastle released a stunning statement on Wednesday which stated that the Premier League had "rejected the takeover...based in its Owners and Directors test."

The Premier League believed the Saudi government would have control of the club through the PIF. But the consortium insisted the PIF is independent of the state despite having seven Saudi ministers, including chairman Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman, on its board.

The Premier League said in a statement today: "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."