Ex-Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley sues old club for £1.5m amid Amanda Staveley legal battle

By Evie Lake
Published 22nd Mar 2024, 08:46 BST
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The former Newcastle United owner has sued the club over an Adidas shirt row.

Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has taken legal action against the club amid a Sports Direct row.

The 59-year-old owned United for 14 years before selling up to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund in 2021 in a deal worth £305m.

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Mike Ashley, the billionaire former owner of Newcastle United Football Club. Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images.Mike Ashley, the billionaire former owner of Newcastle United Football Club. Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images.
Mike Ashley, the billionaire former owner of Newcastle United Football Club. Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images.

And now the billionaire has taken legal action against Newcastle's new guard after they said they would no longer permit Ashley's Sports Direct to sell their replica shirts.

On Thursday, Ashley lodged a £1.5m claim against the club at the Competition Appeal Tribunal which states Newcastle has 'abused its dominant position in the market' by refusing to allow Sports Direct to sell the new Adidas kit.

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It's alleged Newcastle instead will allow Ashley's rival JD Sports to stock the shirts, which the businessman claims is a breach of the Competitions Act.

The club has until 28 March to respond.

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Importantly, this isn't the only lawsuit Ashley has brought against Newcastle United's new owners.

Chelsea are trying to strike a key deal with PIF.Chelsea are trying to strike a key deal with PIF.
Chelsea are trying to strike a key deal with PIF. | AFP via Getty Images

Ashley sued United co-owner Amanda Staveley in 2022 after the Sports Direct owner alleged she broke the conditions of a £10m loan he gave her as part of the takeover.

Ashley claimed she broke the conditions of the deal by briefing the media against him and using it as means to put commercial pressure on him.

Staveley repaid the loan plus £600k interest in October 2023, but Ashley is continuing his pursuit of High Court action.

Related topics:Mike AshleyAmanda StaveleyBattleJD SportsSaudi ArabiaAdidasHigh Court

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