“There are legal requirements in place that need to be observed.”(Image: Getty Images for Premier League)The state-owned Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia want to take an 80pc stake in the Tyneside club, but there is opposition from Premier League broadcast rights holders. Premier League lawyers have been in dispute with the Saudis for three years. MP Nicolson said it would be “humiliating” if Masters and the Premier League if he passed the owners test. “It is an entirely confidential process which involves all sorts of due diligence and the application of the owners and directors tests. “We have always said those processes are confidential and when they drag on there is a requirement for information.

Source: Daily Mirror June 30, 2020 09:28 UTC