This archive report was first published on 9 October 2021.
On October 7, 2021, the Premier League announced that Newcastle United had been sold to a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners, and RB Sports & Media.
The deal, worth £305 million ($415 million), had been in the works since April 2020, but faced scrutiny from the league 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. However, the ban was lifted on Wednesday, clearing a major hurdle to the takeover.
According to The Guardian, the 19 Premier League clubs are united in their opposition to the Saudi-led consortium buying out former owner Mike Ashley. They have 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.
Amnesty International has also urged the Premier League to change its owners' and directors' test to address human rights issues. 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, stating that it is protecting national security from extremists and external actors.
