I think the Panorama episode can be dangerous of this gets political against Usmanov. He's in Putin's orbit and maybe that exposes him to scrutiny like this.
I disagree it was a damp squib. They lay bear the unconvincing explanation regarding the gift to Moshiri and the links between Bridgewater and him. No doubt the Russian feller on our board is the continued link to Bridgewater.
I think that’s a bit out there mate, I can’t see the PL doing much damage to Putin or Russian big business, if the biggest democracy in the world can’t find a smoking gun against their puppet mastery, certainly I don’t the bloke on Panarama who chases the lads in to,the bogs is going to give Putin any sleepless nights. It was badly hyperbole just showing a picture of Putin and Usmanov, could be a Russian orphanage for all they know. I thought the whole programme was a really poor example of investigative journalism to be frank. Panorama has really gone down hill. Hanging outside Buckingham Palace, jumping in front of kids waiting for an autograph, chasing lads into the bogs, god awful.
I have no doubt the links exist, I’ve no doubt it’s common informal knowledge. I just don’t think formally a rule has been broken or can be proven to be broken. Like I’ve said all share transactions are subject to PL assessment, the gift took place in 2008 approved, the selling of his shares back 2016 approved as was his purchase shares in Everton. The only new public information is the gift, the PL will be aware of it a long time.
As for Bridgewater it’s well known Moshiri and Usmanov have many buisness interests together, they are buisness partners. There is nothing to say you can’t use the services services of your own or a PL stakeholder for due dillegence or comply with financial regulations, they didn’t say what financial regulations were breached? in fact if you own a financial house or buisness partner does it makes sense to use it to keep costs down. Suggestive yes, breaking a rule no. To be honest how is it different to the USM sponsorship deal, that is far more of a smoking gun and murkier yet the PL have no issue. Amazed that didn’t come up.
It’s a powder puff piece. Shockingly bad one to, very low quality journalism.
