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Kieran Maguire: The 'Big Six' have hit back as Newcastle face Premier League ban
The Premier League has moved quickly to ban Newcastle United from related party deals but ignored similar activity at Watford.
Finance expert Kieran Maguire questioned why no eyebrows were raised over the 20-plus related party deals completed between Watford and Udinese during an exclusive interview with Football Insider.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Premier League clubs are set to vote this month for tougher rules on related-party commercial deals.
Newcastle have benefitted from sponsorship deals with Saudi-based companies Sela and Noon, both of which have ties to PiF.
However, both deals were approved by the Premier League’s new Fair Market Value assessment which was set up following the PIF’s takeover of Newcastle.
The ban could also stop Eddie Howe’s side from completing transfer deals with Saudi Arabian clubs owned by PIF.
Maguire understands the ‘frustration’ of Newcastle’s owners and fans given that other clubs have also completed multiple related party deals in recent years.
“It does seem very strange that we have had Watford complete over 20 transfers with Udinese despite both clubs being owned by the Pozzo family,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“Nobody, apart from me, seemed to raise more than an eyebrow with regard to that.
“That had a major contribution towards the profitability at Watford and therefore it allowed the club to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.
“But when it comes to Newcastle we’ve suddenly seen a much swifter reaction.
“That is because they have the potential to break into the cosy cartel that is the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’.
“So I can understand the frustration from the Newcastle United owners and fans.“
In other news, Ruben Neves’ plan to join Newcastle United has ‘blown up in his face’