Newcastle United have been hamstrung by the Premier League’s sponsorship rules since the takeover in 2021.
It has been a nightmare for the PIF because of the Premier League’s sponsorship rules that were put in place as soon as Newcastle United’s takeover was finalised.
On Friday, a tribunal ruled in favour of Manchester City that those sponsorship rules were unlawful and deemed them null and void.
Newcastle should benefit from Man City’s ruling and receive much more freedom to bring on sponsors linked to the PIF in future. It is believed that clubs could also seek high compensation packages to make up for the funds they missed out on between 2021 and 2024.
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Not only have the Magpies been hampered by the Premier League’s sponsorship rules – PSR has forced Newcastle to sell players they would have liked to keep in order to avoid a points deduction for the season.
As the Premier League’s reputation takes a huge blow, Newcastle fans have taken to social media to send a message to the league’s CEO Richard Masters.
Newcastle fans call for Richard Masters’ resignation
In 2021, Masters revealed worry over Newcastle’s ownership in an interview – revealing that there was an issue regarding ‘control’ that delayed the completion of the takeover.
However, all parties involved in the deal gave the Premier League legally binding assurances that the ownership was fair and not state-led.
With the ruling in the public domain, Newcastle fans reacted on X and had a clear message to Masters.
“Richard Masters needs to walk for this. He is not fit for purpose in his role. Simple,” said one fan. While another added: “Richard Masters’ position is untenable. The PL amendments to APT will likely still be unlawful. Clubs that have had sponsor deals blocked will sue the PL into oblivion given the potential values of such deals.”
This Newcastle fan called for Masters’ departure, saying: “Richard Masters should be sacked without a doubt.”
“(Masters’) position should be considered untenable but he wasn’t hired for his competence or suitability for the job.” said one frustrated Newcastle fan.
Another fan added: “Richard Masters assured the EPL that APT rules only needed a few amendments. Surely, if APT rules, in their entirety, have been deemed unlawful, the amended, current rules must be too? Surely now his position is untenable?”
Finally, this Newcastle fan said: “Richard Masters was the fifth choice for the role and my word does it show. His incompetence is our ally I suppose.”
PIF must prepare fresh Newcastle deals
Masters is not a popular figure amongst Newcastle fans, but he could soon depart his role if he listens to the calls for him to resign.
After the ruling, the PIF must now accelerate any plans for new sponsorships to give the club a huge commercial boost.
The PIF has worked hard on Newcastle to increase its commercial value – reports in January claimed that the club has an internal goal of doubling their commercial revenue year-on-year which they have achieved.
Work looks to already be underway, however. During Newcastle’s win against Wolves, the advertisement boards at St James’ Park showed PIF graphics throughout the game.
The PIF reassured their commitment to Newcastle with the sponsorship. Although the advertisements are not raking in huge sums of money for the club, that could change very soon.
The PIF will make Newcastle’s stadium decision in due course with options to expand St James’ Park or build a new ground on the table.
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