Football

Clubs demand emergency meeting over Newcastle takeover

Soccer Football - Newcastle United Takeover - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - October 7, 2021 Fans react outside the stadium after Newcastle United announced takeover Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

Premier League clubs have complained about Newcastle United’s takeover by a Saudi Arabia-led consortium and are pushing for an emergency meeting next week, the Guardian newspaper reported.

The Premier League announced on Thursday that Newcastle had been sold to a group consisting of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media.
The investment group had previously made public a $415 million bid to buy the club in April 2020. That deal collapsed three months later amid scrutiny from the league, which came under pressure to stop the sale due to concerns over alleged broadcast piracy in Saudi Arabia.
The piracy dispute involved Qatari-owned beIN Sports, the league’s broadcast rights holder across the Middle East, which had been barred from operating in Saudi Arabia. That ban was lifted on Wednesday, clearing a major hurdle to the takeover.
The Guardian said the 19 Premier League clubs are understood to be united in opposition to a Saudi-led consortium being allowed to buy out former owner Mike Ashley.
The clubs have also raised concerns that the league’s brand “could be damaged” by Saudi Arabia’s PIF – chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman – taking an 80% stake in Newcastle, the report added.
On Thursday, Amnesty International urged the Premier League to change its owners’ and directors’ test to address human rights issues. read more
Human rights groups have condemned Saudi Arabia’s efforts to “sportswash” its human rights record but the kingdom’s government denies allegations of human rights abuses and says it is protecting national security from extremists and external actors.
PHOTO/COURTESY
Related Post
  1. Bayern dealt with injury blow as Benjamin Pavard gets injured in training

    Hаnѕі Flick hаѕ dоnе a commendable job ѕіnсе becoming the реrmаnеnt manager of Bayern Munісh.…

  2. Sparkle of joy for Ukraine in World Cup play-off

    Scotland 1-3 Ukraine. They strode purposefully into the Hampden sunshine with Ukraine flags draped over…

  3. Montpellier’s Hilton keeping fit in coronavirus lockdown

    Montpellier defender, Vitorino Hilton, is not ready to take any chance in losing his match…

Share
Published by
Elizabeth Ngirau
October 10, 2021

Recent Posts

PSG could leave Parc des Princes after mayor turns down sale

French champions exploring ‘alternative options’ after Paris mayor says Parc des Princes is not for… Read More

January 17, 2023

A billion spent by Manchester United and they still trail Man City

Manchester United and Manchester City will clash this Saturday but who has spent more over… Read More

January 13, 2023

Nathan Jones hits back at his critics after Manchester City win

Nathan Jones: "I don't know if I changed perceptions. Within 10 minutes of the Brighton… Read More

January 12, 2023

Rashford double helps Man Utd past Charlton | Ten Hag: We are progressing

Man Utd beat League One side Charlton 3-0 at Old Trafford to reach the Carabao… Read More

January 11, 2023

Arsenal could face a huge FA Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester City at the Etihad

FA Cup fourth round could see Arsenal away to Manchester City; Gunners must beat Oxford… Read More

January 9, 2023

Gunners miss chance to go 10 points clear in stalemate

Arsenal are left frustrated by Newcastle's superb defence; Mikel Arteta's team are now eight points… Read More

January 4, 2023