I think your middle one is not quite right. I think if the CAT case goes ahead then the ARB is 50:50 at best and the PL possibly feel they will win.
No mate I'm on barista oat milk it's long life and makes nicer coffee than milk... Smoother and creamier
If CAT goes ahead then it means the president of the Competition Tribunal believes there is a case to answer. That will involve public disclosure of evidence that could land the PL in big trouble. It also points towards CAT believing PIF KSA to be separate. They will do anything to stop it.
IMHO there are 3 scenarios. RED - CAT thrown out by legal system. PL stand a massive chance of winning the ARB. Amber - CAT goes ahead meaning ARB not terminated and no agreement pre ARB. Green - CAT is thrown out by MA because ARB has been dropped and an agreement made. If ARB goes ahead then it’s a lottery in my mind. That means the PL are confident of winning and that is worrying. The worse case scenario is the RED option above.
Arbitration goes ahead then the PL have to explain to two senior retired judges why their view differs from established wisdom.
@Sheikh_of_Araby Think about it if CAT goes ahead then ARB is not resolved, no agreement meaning the PL are not bothered about the CAT case dealings. In no way shape or form is it good news for us if the CAT goes ahead. That means the PL are happy for it happen. It means they have not folded at ARB!!!
Rumours are he wanted 5 mil per season. They offered him 4 + bonuses. Put it in to perspective, their best player Mezut Ozil is on 3 mil per year at Fenerbahçe.
CAT goes ahead then the PL risk disclosure. They have tried to stop it on a technicality. You have to ask the question why they tried to stop it.
I know but if you read between the lines they have an option of their own to stop it. Make a deal pre ARB and CAT goes away. If they don’t make that deal then CAT happens. That’s effectively saying that the PL are happy for it to go ahead and whatever comes out comes out. Why would they choose that option? If they win at getting CAT removed then that’s even worse.
The PL has probably applied for a further extension to CAT. If that is refused and the case is not thrown out then they are risking disclosure. They will be forced to go to CAT and disclose all communications. They have not disputed the claims of St James Holdings. They have tried to get the case thrown out. That says one thing - it goes ahead then they are in big big trouble.
And yes your right they tried to stop it to ensure they get the result they want. It’s like a double edged sword. CAT for MA is his blackmailing chip. He’s not expecting it to proceed. Nor does he want it too.
They aren't happy about it going ahead. They have tried to get it thrown out. They are doing everything ossble to stop public scrutiny.
Ashley probably doesn't. If the case isn't thrown out then it forces the PL's hand. A settlement then becomes more likely.
