The Sun’s Martin Lipton has said that there could be a potential conflict of interest with the latest Newcastle takeover bid.
The Sun had earlier reported that Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan had signed contracts on a £350million deal for the club. These contracts have reportedly been delivered to the Premier League.
Sheikh Khaled is the cousin of Manchester City’s owner Sheikh Mansour.
Talking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show (talkSPORT, Monday, 7am), Lipton said that while it was “exciting” for Newcastle fans, there was a potential problem.
“This is the chap who was involved in futile bid to take over Liverpool. There have been lots of talks to take over Newcastle. If it were to happen, it would be fascinating to see the investment, and it looks like it could really happen. I’m sure Benitez will be happy to have an owner ready to spend money.
“However, there could be a potential conflict of interest with two brothers owning the clubs. Imagine if it’s the last day of the season and one club needs something from the other.”
Ally McCoist asked, “Is there anything in the rules to stop it?”
“I do think it would have to be a question,” said Lipton. “And given that the final source of the funding is the same, the Dubai Royal family, you have to wonder whether it’s seen as dual ownership of clubs.”
“What do you think would happen?” asked McCoist.
“Money talks it’s the Premier League. Money, or apparent money seems to trump everything else.”
OPINION
This is a good point. The Premier League will have to conduct its due diligence and they will have to look at the connections of the two owners. You can’t have a situation that leads to the integrity of the Premier League being put under question. However, while a potential problem, Lipton doesn’t think that its ultimately going to scupper the deal. He said “it looks like it could really happen” and that “money talks” when it comes to the Premier League. It would undoubtedly be good for Newcastle fans and they’ll be hugely excited about the recent developments. But this shows that there are hurdles that have to be navigated even if all the finances are in place and both sides are in agreement. Both sides will want this done as quickly as possible though – Ashley to finally get his money and get out, and Sheikh Khaled to ensure he can get Benitez signed to a new contract and start buying new players.