Newcastle's rivals running scared, claims Saudi finance minister

Eighteen Premier League clubs last week voted in favour of a ban at an emergency meeting, with only Newcastle and Manchester City opposing the measure.

Saudi Arabia minister of finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan believes the vote of Premier League clubs to temporarily stop teams agreeing sponsorship deals tied to their owners shows the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle has their competition worried.

Eighteen Premier League clubs last week voted in favour of a ban at an emergency meeting, with only Newcastle and Manchester City opposing the measure.