Emails released by the foreign office appear to debunk the government's insistence that it played no role in helping the Premier League ratify the Saudi Public Investment Fund's takeover of Newcastle in 2021.
Having obtained 27 pages of correspondence through an FOI request, the Athletic report that the contents included evidence of involvement on behalf of the government, despite a spokesperson previously claiming they 'have not had a role at any point in the takeover of Newcastle United'.
The Premier League have also previously denied being leaned on by government officials over the purchase of the North East club, with Richard Masters stating that there was 'no pressure applied'.