Premier League clubs have voted to block Newcastle from striking lucrative sponsorship deals with pre-existing business relationships amid increasing concerns regarding the club’s billionaire takeover.
Newcastle have been catapulted into the elite of world football following their Saudi-backed takeover earlier this month, with rival fans concerned after the arrival of owners whose resources dwarf those across the division.
The Guardian are reporting that an emergency meeting between the Premier League’s 20 representative sides has now led to a legislation being voted in, preventing the Magpies from striking sponsorships deals ‘that involve pre-existing business relationships’.
Premier League rivals are fearful that Newcastle’s Saudi owners could conclude sponsorship deals in the oil-rich kingdom, moves that could hand the Magpies a significant advantage over rival sides and help the club navigate Financial Fair Play regulation.
The vote was passed after 18 clubs voted in favour of the move, with Newcastle voting against and Manchester City abstaining from the voting.
The latter – who are owned by the Abu Dhabi United Group – believe that the process was ‘unlawful’ and have previously had sponsorship deals with related business relationships, including the Abu Dhabi government-owned Etihad Airways.
City have previously been investigated by both UEFA and the Premier League regarding sponsorship deals, though have denied any wrongdoing despite accusations of breaching FFP.
The ruling – which applies to all 20 clubs – will be on a temporary basis and last for the next month, but there are several Premier League sides seeking for the legislation to become a permanent fixture.
