Newcastle and PIF-Owned Clubs in the Saudi Pro League Are Free to Do Business As Premier League Fail to Block Controversial Transfer Rule by One Vote
The attempt to change the “associated party transactions,” which would have prevented Newcastle from getting a potential move for Ruben Neves from Al-Hilal to fill the void left by the suspended Sandro Tonali, failed.
The measure was backed by most Premier League clubs at their shareholder meeting; however, the vote did not meet the required threshold to effect the change.
Under Premier League rules, no measures can be adopted without the support of two-thirds of members, which translates to 14 clubs in favor. The vote split 13-7, meaning the measure failed to meet the threshold.
This was good news for Newcastle, whom the 10-month Sandro Tonali ban has rocked. It also provides a basis for the Magpies to work closely with Saudi Pro League clubs in the movement of players.
The decision means players can move from PIF-owned Saudi Clubs to Newcastle and vice versa. In the short term, it is a significant development in Newcastle’s bid to plug the void left by the banned Tonali.
