MP Oliver Dowden has called on the Premier League to act ‘as quickly as possible’ with regards to the Newcastle United takeover.
However, he admitted that it is an issue for the Premier League to resolve, and that the government will not be intervening.
Newcastle are currently involved in a legal battle with the Premier League, as Mike Ashley looks to resurrect last year’s failed takeover.
Arbitration is set to take place this month, as they look to determine whether or not the Public Investment Fund are separate to the Saudi state.
That was the issue that stopped the takeover going through last summer.
In a statement, the club recently called on the Premier League to allow the hearing to be held in public.
Pressure has been mounting, with Amanda Staveley also calling for action.
The wannabe Toon owner has spoken to the media and MPs, calling for government intervention.
Staveley has talked about the need for transparency, sending a letter to MP Tracey Crouch, who is leading a fan-led review into football governance.
Crouch responded swiftly, but told Staveley she would not be able to do anything. Instead, she pointed Staveley in the direction of Oliver Dowden.
Oliver Dowden admits government will not intervene with Newcastle United takeover saga
Oliver Dowden is the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
As well as being contacted by Staveley, fans have also sent messages to Dowden on Twitter, begging him for intervention.
The 42-year-old has finally responded as part of a Q&A on Twitter.
“Of course, that is for the Premier League to go through their processes,” Dowden said.
“I want them to do that as quickly as possible and in as transparent a way as possible. I think that’s the right way to address it.”
It’s a great shame that the government won’t intervene. The Premier League certainly aren’t going to change their stance, so intervention from government was our only hope.
While Dowden has called on the Premier League to act as quickly as possible and in a transparent manner, what difference will that make?
Richard Masters said himself in January that this issue would be resolved in a ‘timely manner’. Of course, that has not happened at all.
The Premier League have allowed one of their clubs to stand still. They have refused to be open with Toon fans who deserve to know what is happening with their team.
Our only hope is that arbitration goes our way and the takeover is allowed to go ahead. If not, the future could be bleak for Newcastle United.
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