Richard Masters set to face MPs amid Newcastle United takeover legal moves

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee is investigating the sustainability of football amid a funding crisis brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

And Premier League chief executive Masters – who was asked about a proposed takeover of Newcastle United at a previous appearance before the committee in June – will appear alongside EFL counterpart Rick Parry.

The EFL has rejected a £50million bailout package for League One and League Two clubs, and Masters has spoken of “scarce resources” among Premier League clubs hit by the pandemic.

Julian Knight MP, committee chair, said: “Many of our football clubs are already facing a precarious future, yet they are being put at further risk because the football authorities who should be showing real leadership have reached a place of stalemate.

“The government has made it clear that it won’t step in. A deal must be reached before it’s too late, the loss of any club will leave a gaping hole in its community.

“We’re calling in football chiefs to put their case in public in an attempt to break the deadlock between the Premier League and EFL, it cannot go on.”

Masters could again be asked about the takeover, which collapsed in July over the Premier League’s failure to make a timely decision on approval.

Mike Ashley, looking to challenge the Premier League in the courts, has appointed two QCs to represent the club. Two Newcastle fans have also started legal separate proceedings against the Premier League.