The tribunal stated that the takeover was the 'catalyst for the consultation process' leading up to the APTs being introduced. The tribunal even heard that an unnamed executive contacted the Premier League on behalf of his club and 10 others to request that notice be given of a vote to introduce a short-term ban on related-party transactions just five days after the takeover.
When cross-examined by Manchester City's legal team over two-and-a-half years later, this senior figure openly admitted that the Newcastle buy-out 'heightened' concerns and 'encouraged the clubs to seek action'.
Newcastle United were represented by Nick De Marco in the club's takeover dispute with the Premier League and the KC has spoken out about some clubs being unable to 'fairly compete on a level playing field'
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