The Premier League and Independent Football Ombudsman reply to OUR Newcastle United takeover questions – and here’s what they said

For nearly 17 weeks the top flight conducted their owners’ and directors’ test – described as an objective process, not a subjective one.

And with no end in sight, a stalemate reached, PIF, PCP Capital Partners and the Reuben Brothers collectively withdrew their £300 million bid from the table (well, sort of), that despite the tests being all but completed bar one major issue – the unpicking of the Saudi state from majority shareholders, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

Newcastle United fans want answers – and following a call to arms by PCP’s Amanda Staveley – have hounded the Premier League and their sponsors for something, anything.

A collective movement, driven by the NUST, has seen more than 40 MPs call for answers on United fans’ behalf, with more than 7,000 letters sent out, reaching as far as the Prime Minister himself Boris Johnson.

And Johnson’s words pointed the finger of mediation firmly at the Independent Football Ombudsman, who has reportedly been in contact with the Premier League.

So, in light of that, we asked the Premier League and the IFO a series of questions – and here are their responses.

IFO questions

*Has your body spoken to the Premier League yet about making a statement?

*Is your request for a statement, or more than that? A bland statement from the PL would do absolutely nothing to appease fans' want for clarity, but also answers.

*Will you be working with the PL on the writing of said statement and will it be vetted by yourselves before release?

*Also if the statement fails to address any of the issues and shows a disregard for clarity, is there any comeback from yourselves, or is this the end and you wipe your hands of it?

IFO answers

The Independent Football Ombudsman released the following statement to our questions:

"I sympathise with you and other Newcastle United supporters over the ownership issue and the recent withdrawal of the offer to buy the club.

As you know the change of ownership of a big club is a complex issue and you will also be aware that there has been criticism of the football authorities for some previous failings in the vetting of new owners. It follows that the Premier League needed to do the proper due diligence in a thorough manner. It is now clear that this was not straightforward and regrettably there was delay, which led to much frustration among the fans

While acknowledging your disappointment at the outcome, I have to inform you that neither the ownership of clubs nor the operation of the Owners and Directors Test fall within the remit of the IFO. The resolution of the takeover issue was clearly the responsibility of the Premier League and you will need to pursue your concerns with the League. I understand that the Newcastle United Supporters Trust has requested that the Premier League should make a statement to fans explaining how the case was handled. This seems to be a reasonable request and I will advise the Premier League accordingly.

I am sorry that I cannot assist you further and can only advise that you consider contacting your MP and the Minister for Sport at the DCMS.

Regards,PROFESSOR DEREK FRASER, OMBUDSMAN.”

Premier League questions

*Will the Premier League be answering any of the accusations levelled at them via the likes of Amanda Staveley, various publications and politicians re the transparency and influences on your own owners’ and directors’ test?

*Will the Premier League confirm if the consortium bid is on, or off the table?

*Are there any plans for the Premier League to make any comment on the takeover, the process, the delays and the withdrawal?

Premier League answers

“No comment.”

"No comment.”

"No comment.”

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