Wed 4 Sept 2024, 11:30 · Ash Harrison

Key figure in Newcastle takeover has now exposed the cracks in PSR as Leicester escape punishment

Key figure in Newcastle takeover has now exposed the cracks in PSR as Leicester escape punishment
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Profit and Sustainability Rules are some of the worst additions to the Premier League since Antony joined Manchester United.

The hastily drawn-up rules came into effect to stifle Newcastle United's rapid growth following the takeover by the Saudi PIF.

The Premier League was terrified that the Magpies could use their owner's insanely deep pockets to charge up the rankings like Manchester City did back when Sheik Mansoor took over at Maine Road.

In a desperate attempt to maintain the status quo - namely the top six holding way more power than the other 14 - the Premier League came up with Financial Fair Play rules along the lines of those imposed by UEFA. FFP became PSR, but the goal was still the same. And while those rules are now over ten years old, the total allowable loss limit has remained the same since the rules' inception despite transfer fees rocketing.

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Leicester City have successfully defeated the Premier League over PSR

Leicester City found themselves in hot water with PSR after exceeding the £105 million allowable loss limit, but now, as has been held up by the independent commission, it has been ruled that the Premier League can not sanction Leicester as their investigation took place when Leicester were in the Championship and thus no longer part of the Premier League's jurisdiction.

Sports lawyer Nick de Marco, who was instrumental in the Newcastle takeover going through, fought the case on behalf of Leicester and was naturally delighted with the result.

The cracks are starting to show in PSR as this loophole was left in by the Premier League after they threw the rules together.

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Newcastle await the outcome of Manchester City's fight with the PL

While this won't help or hinder Newcastle right now, the fact that the Premier League are starting to lose PSR cases is a good sign.

We are also still waiting to find out the outcome of Manchester City's Associated Party Transaction case, another rule designed to keep us down. That one will affect Newcastle, and it's likely why our training ground, stadium and training kit are currently without sponsorship.

Should Man City win that case then Newcastle can call upon the PIF's vast catalogue of companies to sponsor the club, so why jump in with someone now when they can potentially use PIF money to inflate their accounts in the future?

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