This is BZG lying rather than Ashley isn't it? They were the one's who claimed to be going through "the so-called fit and proper owners process."
This is their statement:
“Terms have been agreed between us and Mike Ashley; these terms have been reflected in a document, signed by both parties, which has been forwarded to the Premier League.
“The proof of funds statement was forwarded to Mike Ashley’s lawyers on April 17 2019.
“The so called fit-and-proper Premier League process is a standard procedure which will take time, and we are doing all we can to assist the Premier League during this process.”
“We feel the need to clarify this point in order for the fans and the general public to understand the timelines.”