A lot of Newcastle United fans have replied to a post from Pete Graves after he was asked by one Toon fan what he made of the WTO’s report on piracy.
Graves responded by claiming that he is ‘not an expert’ in the matter raised by the report but that he thinks the takeover of Newcastle ‘looks far more likely to pass PL tests than fail’.
He then added that this was based on what he understands about the test.
This delighted these Toon fans, who now feel that the takeover will happen.
Do you agree with Graves?
Yes
No
Pete you are a beautiful man and never let anybody say otherwise
— ??Ø?? (@simplyMaximin) June 16, 2020
Yes pete lad?
Not too much longer hopefully ?— Jack (@jchaytor16) June 16, 2020
First good news all day!!
— Sean Ellison (@leno22) June 16, 2020
This is why it will pass
— Alan watt (@geordiealmiron) June 16, 2020
Yes Pete lad
— John Burke (@ukjohnburke) June 16, 2020
You do for me these #cans are frezzzzzing now
— john ovy (@ovyegg) June 16, 2020
The WTO concluded that BeoutQ is from Saudi Arabia and piracy was facilitated from within the country; however, it did not level direct accusations at the Saudi state (as per Scott Wilson).
Despite a more positive update from Graves, this has still not stopped some Toon fans fearing the worst.
Two things worry me. 1) Delay is NEVER good and 2) This is being played out in public. Just saying. Facts are we still need to secure the points to stay in the league. That should be the focus.
— JJ (@DadWorkPlay) June 16, 2020
For the 7th week… this is failed and wto report supports my claim
— Simon Davies (@simonshearer9) June 17, 2020
Well is their any chance it getting done. Been dragging on too long i feel it’s not happening!
— Andrew Campbell (@Campbell_NUFC) June 17, 2020
The takeover led by Amanda Staveley and backed up by investment from Saudi Arabia has been with the Premier League since a deposit was paid to Mike Ashley.
However, since then, everything has become incredibly complicated, and after the WTO released their report, BeIN Media Group responded with a statement, as did FIFA and UEFA.
The Premier League has had the WTO’s report since May – so perhaps they have already considered all of the issues raised by it. It has been suggested that the Saudis could have to make some concessions before the PL allows their takeover through.
These could include shutting down BeoutQ and unblocking BeIN Sports.
However, there is also news of a second bid from Henry Mauriss, who has apparently made an offer of £350m to buy Newcastle.
So, the situation could become even more complex, but despite this, Graves still believes that this takeover by Staveley’s group is more likely to go through than not.