A controversial takeover and controversy over taking the jab

The Independent’s football newsletter [View in browser]( [The Independent]( October 08, 2021 [The Independent]( Reading the Game Written by Miguel Delaney A controversial takeover and controversy over taking the jab After confirmation at Newcastle, questions abound Some figures at the very top of the European game were stunned by the suddenness of Newcastle United’s takeover. They are wondering how it could transform the sport. Others are asking how it is that there could be a quick change, and how the Premier League could sanction the move. The repeated insistence from the competition is that which appeared in its statement announcing the move: that they have “legally binding assurances that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not control Newcastle United Football Club” and that the state’s sovereign wealth fund "is separate from the state". Many experts in the field are questioning how this could be the case, given Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy. It again raises questions about English football’s lack of regulation, as well as a laissez-fair attitude to ownership, and many of the same issues that came up in the Super League. It is all part of the same discussion, escalating at every turn. Interestingly, those close to the situation say Newcastle’s new majority owners - Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund - will not replicate the spending of Roman Abramovich with Chelsea in 2003 or Abu Dhabi with Manchester City in 2008. It is likely to be much steadier, much more “prudent”, to use a word regularly repeated. Many would rightly say that’s a step-up from Mike Ashley. Its greatest significance may just be what it represents in terms of ownership. Read my feature on the situation by [clicking here](. Tension grows within the game on vaccinations On Tuesday, West Brom’s Callum Robinson became the first player to publicly discuss an issue that is causing a lot of tension underneath the surface of the game. He said he isn’t vaccinated, talking about it is his “choice at this moment in time”. When asked why, he said: “I just haven’t done it. I think, as I said to this man here, it’s your personal choice and my choice at this moment in time, I haven’t been vaccinated. I know as you said there are managers and people that will want you to do it which is right in their way, the way they think but everyone has their choice and what they want to do. I wouldn’t force people to do it, it’s your choice and your body.” If Robinson’s comments sound surprising, especially for someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 twice, it is fairly common at the top level of the game. The Daily Mail reported last week that as many as two third of players in the Premier League have yet to be double vaccinated. It is causing huge consternation for staff at some clubs. There are various reasons for the resistance. One agent told The Independent that a client basically wondered why he would put “something foreign into his body”. It is a fairly widespread rationale. Some of it comes from the idea that a player’s body is basically their career so they are very careful with that, but even that is naturally influenced by other factors. Sources have complained about misinformation and conspiracy theories swirling around dressing-room Whatsapp groups, while there are also cultural differences, reflecting trends in vaccine hesitancy among the wider public. Jurgen Klopp has been the coach to most strongly speak out about the situation, urging players to get vaccinated, but many club officials share his sentiments. There are obvious public health concerns as well as the potential effect on player’s health, regardless of their own confidence in their own fitness, but also more logistical issues like outbreaks getting games called off. Premier League figures are at a loss on how to solve it, though. More proactive messaging is certainly required. There had been thinking that Qatar may have insisted on double vaccinations for anyone attending the World Cup, potentially forcing the issue for players desperate to appear, but that doesn’t currently look to be the case. International breaking points While few in the game want a biennial World Cup, there remains logic in the other side of Fifa’s big plan: that is a restructuring of the international break. It is always the problem this time of year. There are too many too early in the season, disrupting the rhythm of the campaign. It can be difficult for players, too, as they have to frequently switch from competitions that are still building up to ones that are more intense. That’s before you get to the different approaches of the teams. It’s impossible not to feel a slightly longer single break at one point in the autumn would serve everyone better. Top stories [Newcastle takeover: Transfers, Steve Bruce and going global all on the agenda for new owners]( [Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United forward sexual assault case recommended for dismissal by Las Vegas court]( Miguel's Dispatches The Newcastle United takeover has maybe had other consequences, far smaller but important in their own way. It has created an event of a first game under the new ownership, which happens to be at home to Tottenham Hotspur. Anyone travelling from London will have to pay at least £140 to get there and back on the day. This, it should be noted, is for a standard ticket on what is likely to be a packed train. The way the rail companies schedule and price trains on matchdays has for a long time warranted far greater scrutiny. Quote of the day “The Premier League has now received legally binding assurances that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not control Newcastle United Football Club.” The line from the Premier League statement that confirmed one of the most controversial takeovers in history, and that will provoke some debate itself Reading the game quiz Last week was the 20th anniversary of David Beckham’s goal against Greece. It was one of seven direct free-kicks that he scored for England. What countries did the other six come against? (Last week's answers: Arsenal-Manchester United on 6; United-Manchester City on 5; United-Chelsea on 5; United-Liverpool on 5) Essential reading [Aaron Ramsdale: Arsenal goalkeeper on replacing Bernd Leno and becoming a leader]( [Mohamed Salah’s plaudits mean nothing until they are backed up with a Liverpool salary to befit his talent]( If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. 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