I can understand why the Premier League haven't commented on the #NUFC takeover, especially if they feel the situation is still potentially 'live'. Transparency of the process is essential, but perhaps not whilst 'ongoing'...

If consortium's bid is permanently withdrawn then PL may finally comment. But if there's a chance PIF will return (essentially meaning the 'global financial climate' was not the real reason for pulling out) then PL are bound to have reservations about saying anything just yet.

Last thing PL want is a war of words, a media frenzy & even a government inquest... then to have to continue the O&D Test. I doubt the consortium, if they do retable their offer, would want this either. They'd much prefer silence followed by a positive outcome.

The passion with which #NUFC fans are lobbying is admirable. But the calls for transparency and for approving the takeover are NOT the same thing. Getting the former may still not persuade the consortium to return or could still result in rejection from the PL.

It's easy to vilify the PL, especially whilst they remain silent, but PIF are not entirely blameless here. Their solution to piracy irritated the PL as did the wider Saudi government's handing of the WTO report.

There is a paradox, too. PIF were trying to show they aren't influenced by government yet their grand solution to piracy was Saudi-specific tender (at least until 2022) on KSA Sports... a government-owned TV channel. This was never going to alleviate concerns or pacify beIN.

In addition, Staveley's statement on piracy not even being an issue was not accurate & hasn't helped. It absolutely was a factor. beoutQ itself probably wouldn't have derailed takeover alone, but Qasabi's handling of WTO report & letter to Liz Truss very much frustrated the PL.

The truth is, beIN are now getting a bunch of criticism for being an outside influence. But other than a letter sent to the PL, they weren't part of any meetings and didn't provide any other new info. to the PL. They also thought it would be approved right up until late June.

Ultimately, vocal voices lobbying on both sides had no direct influence over O&D Test itself. PL knew beIN's position long before PIF entered mix. PL must eventually explain their side... but key question is whether they'll do so yet if they anticipate consortium could return.