are allowed to sign players from clubs also owned by Saudi Arabia after a vote on banning loans between associated sides failed.
On Tuesday, Premier League clubs voted on banning loan transfers between clubs with shared owners, and were split 13-7 in favour.
However, 14 votes are required to pass such a law meaning that it fell just short of fast-tracking the rule ahead of the January transfer window.
It means that Newcastle are free to recruit players from clubs also primarily owned by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund, which includes four teams in the .
The PIF have majority stakes in the ‘big four’ Saudi Pro League sides Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, whose players include Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.
The attempted rule change appears to have been prompted by concerns that the Magpies could use their connection with the PIF to sign top quality players from the Middle East easily and on the cheap.
One such example is Ruben Neves who has been linked with St. James’ Park as well as Arsenal just months after leaving Wolves for Al-Hilal.
Reports do suggest that however.
But Newcastle aren’t the only club who could have been affected, withManchester City, Chelsea and Brighton’s ownerships also operating a multi-club model which have become increasingly more prominent in world football.
But questions have been raised over multi-club ownerships in regard to sporting integrity and the fairness of related-party transfers.
Newcastle are desperate for some short-term reinforcements in January, with Eddie Howe’s side enduring a nightmare injury crisis, while star midfielder Sandro Tonali is currently serving a 10-month suspension for breaching betting rules.
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