Newcastle United CONFIRM takeover arbitration process is 'live' - and take 'leak' swipe at the Premier League

Newcastle United have confirmed they have issued arbitration proceedings against the Premier League in regards to the stalled PIF, PCP and Reuben Brothers takeover.
Newcastle United's English owner Mike Ashley (L) and director Lee Charnley (R) applaud after Newcastle take the lead during the FA Cup fourth round replay football match between Oxford United and Newcastle United at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford, west of London, on February 4, 2020.Newcastle United's English owner Mike Ashley (L) and director Lee Charnley (R) applaud after Newcastle take the lead during the FA Cup fourth round replay football match between Oxford United and Newcastle United at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford, west of London, on February 4, 2020.
Newcastle United's English owner Mike Ashley (L) and director Lee Charnley (R) applaud after Newcastle take the lead during the FA Cup fourth round replay football match between Oxford United and Newcastle United at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford, west of London, on February 4, 2020.

In a statement, confirming the Gazette exclusive from Tuesday, the club states the legal case against the Premier League is ‘live’ as per the top flight legal letter blunder and it is an arbitration process that has begun.

But, importantly, the club will not disclose any information with regards the nature of the arbitration.

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The statement reads: “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.”

A clear swipe at the Premier League at leaking information on the NCSL letter into the public domain, prior to any release by the fan group, or the club.

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It continues: "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.

In a clear barb at the delayed nature of proceedings, the statement ends: "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.”

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