SAUDI ARABIA’S main TV sports station have reportedly been threatened with legal action by the Football Association for illegally broadcasting old FA Cup matches.
The Times claim KSA Sports, the state-owned channel in the country, received a letter from English football’s governing body accusing them of airing games involving Newcastle from the Alan Shearer era.
KSA Sports has been broadcasting clips of FA Cup games from the Alan Shearer eraCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The report adds that the notice states that the FA feel broadcasting games are a clear infringement of their property rights.
The FA, who have claimed that their lawyers will take action if KSA Sports don’t cease airing games by June 2, also copied in the Saudi government and the Premier League in the letter.
It read: “It has come to our attention that KSA Sports is engaged in the unauthorised and illegal broadcast of extracts from the matches (amongst other sports content) in the territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“As you have neither sought nor obtained permission from the FA or any of its authorised licensees to use this content on your channels, your present use is an infringement of the FA’s rights.
“Broadcast piracy is a significant concern for all rights holders and content providers and failure to promptly take affirmative steps will cause significant financial and reputational harm to us.”
You have neither sought nor obtained permission from the FA or any of its authorised licensees to use this content on your channels
The FA
The letter could prove damaging to the Saudi-backed consortium looking to complete a £300million purchase of Newcastle this year.
SunSport previously reported that the Toon’s prospective takeover is on the rocks after the World Trade Organisation ruled their new prospective owners are behind pirate TV station beoutQ.
The Guardian claims a report to be published in June will reveal the station, which illegally streams live Premier League games, is Saudi-backed.
SunSport exclusively revealed on Sunday the Premier League were set to give Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium the green light to take control of St James’ Park.
She was hoping to get an official word this week before rubber-stamping the deal on June 1.
It now remains to be seen if Newcastle do indeed get the finances they have longed for.
Should the takeover go through, Steve Bruce is not expected to be kept in the dugout with two men lined up to take charge of the dressing room.
The first is former boss Rafa Benitez, still loved by fans on Tyneside after his relegation survival miracles.
The other is ex-Spurs gaffer Mauricio Pochettino, who took the North Londoners to last season’s Champions League final.
Newcastle takeover will get green light with Premier League bosses set to approve £300m Saudi buyout
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
