NEWCASTLE’S £300million takeover has been hit with fresh doubt as Saudi Arabia have been ordered to “deal with” allegations of TV piracy.
The Saudi-backed consortium led by Amanda Staveley looked to have been closing in on a deal to take over the Toon from unpopular owner Mike Ashley.
Newcastle’s £300million takeover has been hit with fresh doubt as Saudi Arabia have been ordered to ‘deal with’ allegations of TV piracyCredit: Reuters
But Newcastle fans, desperate for new leadership, have been hit with another stumbling block.
Saudi broadcaster beoutQ, a pirate pay television service, are accused of ripping off coverage from European football, including the Premier League and LaLiga.
World Trade Organization have carried out an own investigation after the Premier League and LaLiga were denied claims by the Saudi court and lawyers.
Evidence of piracy is said to have been discovered, which would have cost Fifa, Uefa and the FA hundreds of millions of pounds.
The investigation casts huge doubt over the takeover of Newcastle, which is led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and backed by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
WTO chief Roberto Azavedo said: “Our agreement on intellectual property rights is very clear.
“Those are fundamental rights as far as the functioning of the global economy is concerned. These rules have been put in place not by accident, but to be observed.
“All members recognise that exceptional situations should be dealt with.
“The dispute is still under confidential procedures. One of the good things about the WTO is that very sensitive issues like that can be dealt. There will be a ruling. How members respond is entirely up to them.
“This is one way of depoliticising and reducing the tension on issues like those.”
Newcastle takeover will get green light with Premier League bosses set to approve £300m Saudi buyout
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
