Steve Bruce has kept as low as possible in recent weeks about the much-discussed takeover of Newcastle United by a consortium from Saudi Arabia. But the manager of the club made it clear on Sunday that he is tired of the uncertainty.
“We all need clarity,” said 59-year-old Bruce after the lost quarterfinals in the FA Cup against Manchester City (0-2).
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has already made an offer to the Premier League three months ago to buy 80 percent (£ 330 million) of 80 percent of Newcastle United’s shares from Mike Ashley.
‘The Magpies’ are now waiting for approval from the Premier League, which mainly looks through the so-called Owners ‘and Directors’ Test whether PIF is able to finance the club and whether there have been no criminal offenses committed by the company in the past.
“If it is true that the Premier League will end this process, they should come to a decision as soon as possible,” said Bruce. “Because this is not good for anyone.”
Much criticism of takeover
There is much criticism of PIF’s takeover plans because Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is the chairman of the consortium.
Bin Salman is controversial because, according to the American intelligence agency CIA, he ordered the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. Hatice Cengiz, the widow of Khashoggi, called on the Premier League two months ago to stop the takeover.
Amnesty International is also strongly against the takeover, due to the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia. “This should not be an attempt to cover up the terrible situation in Saudi Arabia with investment in sports,” said Amnesty.
PIF would have about 300 billion euros, which could make Newcastle United one of the richest football clubs in the world when it takes over.
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