MP blasts 'disrespectful' Premier League for lack of Newcastle United takeover response - and suggests another avenue for answers

MP for Wansbeck Ian Lavery says he and his fellow MPs are yet to receive “any response whatsoever” from the Premier League regarding the failed Newcastle United takeover.
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Mr Lavery, a United fan, also indicated that he and MPs won’t stop until the governing body come back with a response, admitting “further options” will likely be considered.

It has been 12 days since Amanda Staveley, the Reuben brothers and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia withdrew their £300million to buy the Tyneside club.

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The consortium cited the Premier League’s delay in approving the takeover, which was under review for FOUR months amid alleged piracy and human rights concerns.

Following the collapse of the takeover, all parties - including Mike Ashley - have reaffirmed their desire to finalise a deal, which has been heavily supported by Newcastle fans.

Prompted by the Newcastle United Supporters Trust, Mr Lavery is one of 40 MPs who have written to the Premier League after fans sent more than 7,000 letters to their local representatives.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson also called for the Premier League to make a statement, in line with the Independent Football Ombudsman (IFO).

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Lavery and the MPs in question have written to the governing body to ask for an explanation surrounding the takeover, however, he revealed that they are yet to receive a response.

Richard Masters. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images for Premier League)Richard Masters. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images for Premier League)
Richard Masters. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images for Premier League)

He told Sky Sports News: “We haven't had any response whatsoever, not even an acknowledgement of receipt from the Premier League, which I think is fairly disrespectful.

"It's 19 weeks going on 20. What an affront that is to football supporters in general, not just Newcastle United.

"Is there something we're not aware of? Who are the influencers? What decisions have been made regarding this takeover?"

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But while the Premier League maintain their silence, Lavery is in no mood to forget about the matter, believing further options need to be considered.

"Regardless of what happens here, if we don't get a result from the Premier League in terms of some sort of statement or explanation then I think we need to consider further options, which might be to raise it via an adjournment debate in the House of Commons," he added.

"We could (alternatively) raise it with the DCMS Select Committee. So, this might just be the catalyst which means that football supporters nationwide might be invited in through the doors to be involved in the decision-making process."

Furthermore, a petition calling for an independent investigation into the Premier League’s takeover process has received over 106,000 signatures.