Newcastle United takeover: Premier League tight-lipped on Saudi deal test concerns - but 'no reservations' from sources close to bid

A number of top flight clubs are understood to be ready to express their reservations about the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Crown Mohammed Bin Salman’s investment arm, flooding their sovereign wealth into the Premier League, amid human rights concerns.

But sources close to the deal do not have any reservations about representatives passing the Premier League board’s ‘Owners’ & Directors' Test'.

This week new Premier League chief executive Richard Masters was quizzed on foreign ownership in the English top flight, specifically the prospect of Saudi Premier League investment.

“It is a hypothetical situation at the moment," said Masters.

“The acquisition of football clubs, the passing of the owners’ & directors’ test, are just about the most confidential processes in the regulatory side of the Premier League operations.”

On the stipulations that must be met to pass said ‘Owners’ & Directors’ Test’, Masters did delve a little deeper.

“There is a set of objective tests which are financially related and there are also tests – and again, I am not linking this with anybody – about crimes committed overseas or activities which might be deemed to be seen as criminal in this country which might be taken into account,” he said.

With fan fury at a lack of development on the takeover front reaching a crescendo this week, following a fortnight of claims and counter-claims, the Gazette asked a series of questions of the Premier League, with particular focus on Masters' comments.

We asked: ‘Can the Premier League confirm if they have started the formal process of the 'fit and proper person test' on any potential new owner of Newcastle United?’.

Their response read: “Unfortunately we aren’t in a position to comment on the above.”

When asked about the actual test process and whether Saudi royals and their representatives would pass said test, a firm “no comment” was again issued.

Newcastle United are also refusing to comment on takeover speculation.