UK Primer minister gives ‘green light’ to Saudi Media’s Chelsea takeover after latest ‘talks’
According to Football London, Prime minister Boris Johnson has given his indirect approval to Saudi Media’s Chelsea takeover bid by talking about building a relationship between the UK and Middle Eastern partners.
This follows on from sports minister Nigel Huddleston’s recent claim about Saudi Arabia that will boostSaudi Media’s hopes of a £2.7billion bid to takeover from Roman Abramovich ahead of Friday’s deadline for offers to be submitted to US investment bank Raine Group.
Speaking in the United Arab Emirates, the prime minister said: “Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are key international partners…We have long, long standing relationships with this part of the world and we need to recognise the very important relationship that we have.”
Huddleston, meanwhile, has recently said that he would welcome Saudi Arabian investment at a time when focus on Newcastle United’s owners have intensified further. “The UK’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is really important,” the sports minister told the Guardian. “Saudi Arabia is an important partner of the UK in investment, intelligence and culture.”
“We welcome Saudi Arabian investment. Many, many jobs in the UK are dependent on our relationship with the Saudis but we take the opportunity to talk frankly and openly with Saudi Arabia. We can have frank exchanges because of the nature of our relationship.”
Boris Johnson has 'approved' Saudi Media's Chelsea takeover amid Nick Candy and Todd Boehly race ?? #cfc https://t.co/9EiHIqXQ7h
— football.london (@Football_LDN) March 16, 2022