The Newcastle takeover suffered a huge setback this summer when arbitration was delayed.
The announcement was made on July 19th 2020, putting Toon fans’ hopes of a Mike Ashley exit on hold once again.
Arbitration is set to deal with the issue of separation between the Saudi state and the Public Investment Fund – the main issue stopping the Premier League from approving the sale.
However, the hearing was delayed until next year due to ‘issues with the disclosure of evidence’.
This week’s CAT hearing has put the takeover in the spotlight once again, and the big news coming out of Wednesday was that a new date for arbitration has been set.
The Premier League’s representative Adam Lewis QC confirmed that it will begin on January 3rd 2022, and will run for little more than seven days.
In early 2022, we could finally have a conclusion to this saga. But could arbitration be delayed once again?
Newcastle takeover arbitration reportedly isn’t expected to be delayed
According to the Telegraph, that shouldn’t be the case. They have reported that both sides believe that arbitration will definitely go ahead as planned and they do not expect another postponement.
The delays during this saga have been excruciating. But it looks like January 2022 could well be the final month of the biggest drama since Game of Thrones.
If Newcastle win arbitration then the takeover will be approved, providing there is still a deal on the table.
If the Premier League win it seems impossible for the Saudi-backed takeover to go through.
No more delays. The end finally looks to be edging closer.
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