Premier League’s ‘anti-competitive’ move does NOT look legally enforceable - NCSL view on NUFC rule changes

Are the Premier League acting in an anti-competitive manner in relation to their recent rule change? We asked Newcastle Consortium Supporters Limited’s Keith Patterson for his view.
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Premier League clubs last week voted in favour of temporary legislation to prevent associated sponsorship deals.

It was a move seen by many as a direct dig at Newcastle United, whose new Saudi-based owners had been lining up some huge deals with the organisations in the Middle East.

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NewcastleWorld has spoken to Keith Patterson, of Newcastle Consortium Supporters Limited for his view.

Patterson was the man who presented the avenue of a Competition Appeal Tribunal to previous owner Mike Ashley - and here’s his thoughts on the top flight’s latest move.

What did you make of the PL one month sponsorship ban?

I thought it was quite remarkable behaviour and equally unsustainable.

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I find the timing very suspect given that it coincided with the Newcastle United takeover, just four days earlier.

Is this move anti-competitive?

I think it’s obviously going to lead to questions being asked. Fans have every right to be worried about the development.

I suspect this kind of behaviour will see a legal challenge develop from the new Newcastle United owners, in order to protect their own business against collusion from their competitors.

I’ve spoken to a top competition QC on the subject and they said they wondered when the last time there was a formal EPL meeting where 19 clubs met to discuss the impact on their businesses from one other competitor?

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The fact that they then started voting on new rules regarding sponsorship and investments aimed at limiting the scope of larger investors is a serious concern.

Why do you believe the clubs have taken this decision?

I think it’s obvious they fear the competition that greater investment in another club will bring.

In my humble, layman’s opinion, this has anti-competitive implications.

And do you think it will be enforceable?

No, in its current guise I don’t think it is, looking at the information that is already in the public domain.

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Whilst I’m sure these seemingly desperate companies must have sought legal guidance I understand that Newcastle United have been advised that there are anti competitive implications within these practises.

I’m personally surprised the English Premier League are carrying out these practises having just negotiated the settlement of a CAT case they appeared unable to defend against the very same business, albeit with different owners.