Premier League 'demanded proof' Chelsea are not owned by Saudi Arabia

The Premier League reportedly asked Chelsea to provide proof that they are not owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

Since Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr back in January, Saudi Arabia have been investing a lot into the Saudi Professional League in order to attract some of football’s biggest names.

Karim Benzema has signed for Al Ittihad with a host of big names set to follow suit.

Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante will leave Stamford Bridge for Al Ittihad and many other Blues players have been linked with moves to the Middle East.

According to multiple reports, the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy are all set to join the Saudi Professional League.

The sudden influx of Chelsea players to Saudi Arabia has raised concerns.

According to The Telegraph, Premier League bosses have asked Chelsea to give evidence that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund were not part of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s purchase of the club last year.

The report also claimed that Chelsea have since provided proof and the Premier League are said to be satisfied.

Alamy

Saudi Arabia’s PIF completed the takeover of Newcastle United in 2021 for a fee of £300 million, since then, they have spent big on the team.

After signing the likes of Kieran Tripper, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak, Eddie Howe’s men managed to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Chelsea have also spent big, having splashed out more than £600 million over the last two transfer windows on the likes of Marc Cucurella, Raheem Sterling, Enzo Fernandez and Wesley Fofana.

Boehly has previously warned that Newcastle will be part of a big seven in the Premier League.

He told The Telegraph: “The big six will become the big seven with the Saudi deal for Newcastle.

“There is going to be opportunity for everyone to win.”

SPORTbible has contacted Chelsea and the Premier League for comment.