English Premier League fails in bid to ban loans between associated clubs: reports
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Newcastle United are now free to make a January loan move for Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – The English Premier League (EPL) has lost its bid to ban loan moves between associated clubs during the January transfer window, according to reports on Nov 21.
It was reported that the English top flight wanted to stop teams like Newcastle United loaning a player from another club owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The Magpies have been linked with a loan swoop for Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves, who plays for Saudi club Al-Hilal after joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in June.
The 26-year-old would fill the void in Newcastle’s team left by Sandro Tonali following the Italian’s 10-month ban for breaking rules on gambling.
The EPL needed 14 out of 20 clubs to vote for the ban at a shareholders’ meeting in London.
But it is believed the vote finished only 13-7 in favour, leaving Newcastle free to make a January loan move for Neves.
According to The Times of London, the seven clubs who voted against the ban were Newcastle, Wolves, Manchester City, Sheffield United, Chelsea, Everton and Nottingham Forest.
PIF owns 80 per cent of Newcastle and also took over Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad in June.
Asked in November whether he would consider signing players based in the Gulf state, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said he was “open to signing anyone if they are good enough”.
Treble winners City would be able to loan players from other clubs owned by the City Football Group.
These include New York City, Melbourne City, Yokohama F. Marinos and Girona.
In another blow to the EPL, the clubs did not approve the terms of the so-called “New Deal”, a £900 million (S$1.5 billion) financial settlement with the English Football League (EFL).
The EPL had hoped to confirm the package at the meeting, but it is understood no vote took place.
Despite a three-hour discussion, there remains a sticking point surrounding new cost-control measures for both EPL and EFL clubs.
The EPL wants the matter resolved before the new independent regulator in English football is put in place by the British government. AFP, REUTERS
