Supporters continue to face an anxious wait as a decision over Newcastle United's takeoverNews broke over three months ago about a prospective £300million deal to buy the club, meaning that the fans have been on tenterhooks ever since.Amanda Staveley is the figurehead of the Saudi-backed consortium who are said to be leading the charge for the club, with just one final test standing in their way.The club are currently waiting on a verdict from the Premier League as to whether the £300million deal can go ahead.There's been plenty of speculation as to why such a delay has occurred, with many suspecting that the Premier League could have doubts over a deal.That delay is in part due to the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) investigation into whether Saudi Arabia's government has been involved in the illegal streaming of sports events.Saudi Arabia were accused of failing to 'provide adequate protection of intellectual property rights held by or applied for entities based in Qatar'.This relates to the blocking of beIN SPORTS and the Kingdom's links to beoutQ, which simulcasted the Qatar-based channel's broadcasts.While it's the Premier League who need to make their decision on whether the owners are suitable to take over a top flight club, some have suggested that Amanda Staveley and the buying party could be getting cold feet over a deal.However according to George Caulkin of The Athletic, that's not the case.
Asked if the takeover is fizzling out, Caulkin said: "Not really, we’re just waiting for a decision.
"Admittedly, that wait is definitely exhausting."
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
While patience is obviously key during such uncertain times, you can hardly blame the Newcastle United fans for growing restless.
For many, a potential announcement of a full takeover is exactly what they’ve been wishing for several years while enduring a turbulent reign under Mike Ashley.
The Sports Direct owner has been a hugely unpopular figure on Tyneside, and that’s why talk of interest from the Saudi-based consortium is such a hot topic of conversation.
But Newcastle fans must still be cautious.
If anyone knows what it’s like to see their club owned by an unpopular figure, it’s Newcastle United fans.
That’s why they must remain patient – after all, the last thing they want is to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.