Former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley helped broker Manchester City’s takeover in 2008.
Amanda Staveley has called upon Premier League clubs to “build bridges” with each other following the Manchester City verdict.
A historic ruling saw City found guilty of breaching 114 financial rules to lose their high-profile case with the Premier League. Etihad chiefs lodged an appeal on Friday but, should that fail, they can expect an unprecedented punishment in English football.
Speculation throughout the three-week international break has centred around everything from points deductions and fines to complete Premier League expulsion. Newcastle United - like other top-flight clubs - will be watching closely as the aftermath has only just begun.
Former Toon owner Staveley - who helped broker Man City’s takeover in 2008 - discussed the complexities of the case. Speaking at a Leaders event in London, she sympathised with those who must determine a potential punishment while calling on clubs to seek common ground.
"We have such an exciting league,” Staveley said. “Football in Europe is potentially the most watched sport in the world and we should really nurture this asset. We should nurture our fans and we should do everything we can to try and make a resolution to the issues that exist today.
“And I hope that somebody with probably more negotiating abilities comes in and resolves that issue. And I think it will get resolved. I think the Premier League had a difficult thing, an opportunity. But you've got to also try to put yourself in the (Premier League) executives' position.
“You've got 20 clubs and half of them are shouting at you to do one thing, the rest of the 10 clubs are shouting at you to do another. So, as an executive, you're always pulled. You're always being threatened to be sued by one club. And you're meant to actually be co-owners of one league. So to navigate all of that is really tough.
"And, you know, you've got so much pressure on football at the moment. So, I think we should just focus on the future, getting it right and trying to build bridges with our neighbours."
Amanda Staveley issues 197-word statement on Man City charges as Newcastle United watch closely