Proposed Newcastle takeover a football matter, says sports minister

Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Liverpool - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - July 26, 2020. General view during the warm-up before the match. [REUTERS/Owen Humphreys]

Britain's sports minister has said a Saudi-backed consortium's proposed takeover of Premier League side Newcastle United is a football matter and that while he is "keeping an eye on it" he will not interfere.

The Premier League's board has been examining the proposed takeover as part of its 'owners and directors test', which evaluates the suitability of ownership groups.

"I'm very uncomfortable with the level of expectation of involvement on government with things that are very clear decisions for football," Minister for Sport Nigel Huddleston told Sky Sports.

"There is obviously the fit and proper persons test to go through with any acquisitions of this nature and I think that is absolutely appropriate.

"It's something that I'm keeping an eye on but it is a decision for those involved. It would be inappropriate for me to interfere at that kind of level."

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has called for clarity on the proposed takeover so the club could start planning for next season.