Premier League chiefs are bringing in tougher tests for new owners - but they are unlikely to be in time for the Chelsea takeover.
They will bring in a new independent panel to “scrutinise” future buyers after the fall-out from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich being hit with UK Government sanctions and disqualified from being a club director. Newcastle’s Saudi owners are also under the spotlight after the state carried out 81 executions over the weekend and Labour MP Mike Amesbury questioned whether the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund are considered “proper and fit” to be running a club in the Premier League.
Premier League executive Helen MacNamara, who is director of policy and corporate affairs, confirmed they are hopeful a new buyer will be secured quickly but the new owners’ and directors’ test may not be introduced in time.
