Early this year, the Kingdom was asked for and gave legal assurances from the highest level that the PIF was an independent body Newcastle, under owner Mike Ashley, expressed its frustration at the long-drawn-out bid process DUBAI: Newcastle United, the English football club sought by Saudi Arabia and other bidders in a £300 million ($390.6 million) takeover, said the football authorities had rejected the proposed bid. The club hinted at legal action to force the deal through. “Newcastle United can confirm that the Premier League (PL) has rejected a takeover bid made by PCP Capital Partners, the Reuben Brothers and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) based on its owners and directors test,” said a statement on the club’s website. “This conclusion has been reached despite the club providing the Premier League with overwhelming evidence and legal opinions that PIF is independent and autonomous of the Saudi Arabian government.” Early this year, the Kingdom was asked for and gave legal assurances from the highest level that the PIF was an independent body, which the English football governing body appears to have ignored. Newcastle, under owner Mike Ashley, expressed its frustration at the long-drawn-out bid process, which reached a contractual deal in April but which needs PL approval to be completed. “The club and its owners do not accept that PL chief executive Richard Masters and the PL have acted appropriately in relation to this matter and will be considering all relevant options available to them,” the statement said. The PIF and other consortium members are also believed to be frustrated at the lack of progress. They formally withdrew their offer at the end of July, but have made no secret of their desire to proceed with the purchase of the club subject to PL approval. There has not yet been any confirmation from the PL, nor any reaction to the club’s statement. A source close to the consortium said the bidders were surprised at the club’s statement, of which they had not been informed in advance, and unaware of any change in the PL’s stance. As far as the bidders were concerned, there was no change in the situation from July, when the PL asked the consortium to agree to binding arbitration on the matter in a bid to resolve outstanding issues. “Mike Ashley understands fans’ frustrations and would like to reassure them that he has been fully committed to ensuring this takeover process reached completion as he felt it was in the best interests of the club,” the Newcastle statement said. “Mike continues to be fully supportive to Steve Bruce (the team manager), the players and all the staff and wishes them well for the upcoming season.” The English football season kicks off this weekend.