Newcastle United said on Wednesday a Saudi-backed bid to takeover the club has now been rejected by the Premier League.

The investment group, which included the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and billionaire brothers David and Simon Reuben, said they had withdrawn their bid for the club in July after waiting months for the English top-flight's approval.

A&nbsp;£300 million ($391 million) deal to buy the side from unpopular owner Mike Ashley had been agreed in April.

However, the bid had attracted scrutiny due to the piracy of sports broadcast rights, including Premier League matches, in Saudi and the state's human rights record.

Amanda Staveley of PCP Capital Partners said when the bid was withdrawn that the Premier League wanted the Saudi state to become a director of the club as the PIF was not deemed to be an arm of the government.

"Newcastle United can confirm that the Premier League has rejected a takeover bid made by PCP Capital Partners, the Reuben Brothers and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) based on its Owners and Directors test," Newcastle said in a statement.

"This conclusion has been reached despite the club providing the Premier League with overwhelming evidence and legal opinions that PIF is independent and autonomous of the Saudi Arabian government.

"The club and its owners do not accept that Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and the Premier League have acted appropriately in relation to this matter and will be considering all relevant options available to them."

Masters said in a letter to Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah last month that Staveley's consortium had refused the opportunity to take the issue over the status of the PIF to independent arbitration.

Supporters have long campaigned for Ashley to sell the club as they have been disillusioned with his 13-year spell as owner, which has included two relegations from the Premier League.

"Mike Ashley understands fans' frustrations and would like to reassure them that he has been fully committed to ensuring this takeover process reached completion as he felt it was in the best interests of the club," added the Newcastle statement.

"Mike continues to be fully supportive to (manager) Steve Bruce, the players and all the staff and wishes them well for the upcoming season."

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said on Wednesday it will consider adapting its criteria for potential buyers after the failed takeover.

"We are going to look again at the owners' and directors' test and some of the issues and specifics of it," he told the BBC.

"It's time to have another look at it in light of recent events."

Newcastle begin the new Premier League season away to West Ham on Saturday.

Newcastle United said on Wednesday a Saudi-backed bid to takeover the club has now been rejected by the Premier League. The investment group, which included the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and billionaire brothers David and Simon Reuben, said they had withdrawn their bid for the club in July after waiting months for the English top-flight's approval.

Newcastle United said on Wednesday a Saudi-backed bid to takeover the club has now been rejected by the Premier League. The investment group, which included the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and billionaire brothers David and Simon Reuben, said they had withdrawn their bid for the club in July after waiting months for the English top-flight's approval. A £300 million ($391 million) deal to buy the side from unpopular owner Mike Ashley had been agreed in April. However, the bid had attracted scrutiny due to the piracy of sports broadcast rights, including Premier League matches, in Saudi and the state's human rights record. Amanda Staveley of PCP Capital Partners said when the bid was withdrawn that the Premier League wanted the Saudi state to become a director of the club as the PIF was not deemed to be an arm of the government. "Newcastle United can confirm that the Premier League has rejected a takeover bid made by PCP Capital Partners, the Reuben Brothers and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) based on its Owners and Directors test," Newcastle said in a statement. "This conclusion has been reached despite the club providing the Premier League with overwhelming evidence and legal opinions that PIF is independent and autonomous of the Saudi Arabian government. "The club and its owners do not accept that Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and the Premier League have acted appropriately in relation to this matter and will be considering all relevant options available to them." Masters said in a letter to Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah last month that Staveley's consortium had refused the opportunity to take the issue over the status of the PIF to independent arbitration. Supporters have long campaigned for Ashley to sell the club as they have been disillusioned with his 13-year spell as owner, which has included two relegations from the Premier League. "Mike Ashley understands fans' frustrations and would like to reassure them that he has been fully committed to ensuring this takeover process reached completion as he felt it was in the best interests of the club," added the Newcastle statement. "Mike continues to be fully supportive to (manager) Steve Bruce, the players and all the staff and wishes them well for the upcoming season." Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said on Wednesday it will consider adapting its criteria for potential buyers after the failed takeover. "We are going to look again at the owners' and directors' test and some of the issues and specifics of it," he told the BBC. "It's time to have another look at it in light of recent events." Newcastle begin the new Premier League season away to West Ham on Saturday.

Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle rejected by the Premier League

Newcastle United fans say they have been treated with contempt after a 300 million-pound takeover bid from a Saudi-backed consortium collapsed on Thursday.

The group, which included Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers, announced they were ending their interest in the deal which had been delayed by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a>’s owners and directors test.

The end of the Saudi bid left the North East club still in the hands of British businessman Mike Ashley, who has long faced protests and opposition from the fans.

Many Newcastle fans had welcomed the takeover, seeing it as a chance to boost the club’s fortunes through investment in new players.

But the bid had been criticised by human rights campaigners and had come up against questions about pirate broadcasts of Premier League games in Saudi Arabia.

Newcastle fans expressed frustration at the length of the Premier League’s scrutiny and press criticism of the takeover.

“The supporters of Newcastle United have been treated with contempt by large parts of the football media and the Premier League during this failed takeover process,” said the NUFC Supporters Trust.

“It’s been made clear that we are the least important people in a decision which affects us the most. We need answers,” they added.

Chi Onwurah, Labour Member of Parliament for Newcastle Central, said she would be contacting the Premier League.

“I know that many constituents will be disappointed and frustrated by the withdrawal of the latest NUFC takeover offer. I will be writing to the Premier League to ask why they took so long and gave so little clarity to NUFC fans,” she wrote on Twitter.

The city’s local newspaper, The Chronicle, published an open letter to the Premier League saying the team’s supporters were owed an explanation.

“A transformative but deeply controversial takeover is off. Having dreamed of something different, the city now confronts the reality of what Newcastle are: unloved, divorced from its people, deeply divided and facing the most uncertain of futures,” the paper wrote.

“The Premier League tonight stands accused of blocking a once-in-a-lifetime investment in the city and football club. It is a serious accusation that demands a response,” it added.

Noting that the Premier League has kept quiet, observing the confidential nature of the owners and directors test, the paper said the time had come for openness.

“But without clarity or the decency to even acknowledge the festering sores at one of your member clubs, we do not know. Left in the dark, Newcastle fans are furious tonight,” The Chronicle said.

The Premier League and Newcastle United did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Newcastle United fans say they have been treated with contempt after a 300 million-pound takeover bid from a Saudi-backed consortium collapsed on Thursday. The group, which included Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers, announced they were ending their interest in the deal which had been delayed by the Premier League’s owners and directors test.

Newcastle United fans say they have been treated with contempt after a 300 million-pound takeover bid from a Saudi-backed consortium collapsed on Thursday. The group, which included Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers, announced they were ending their interest in the deal which had been delayed by the Premier League’s owners and directors test. The end of the Saudi bid left the North East club still in the hands of British businessman Mike Ashley, who has long faced protests and opposition from the fans. Many Newcastle fans had welcomed the takeover, seeing it as a chance to boost the club’s fortunes through investment in new players. But the bid had been criticised by human rights campaigners and had come up against questions about pirate broadcasts of Premier League games in Saudi Arabia. Newcastle fans expressed frustration at the length of the Premier League’s scrutiny and press criticism of the takeover. “The supporters of Newcastle United have been treated with contempt by large parts of the football media and the Premier League during this failed takeover process,” said the NUFC Supporters Trust. “It’s been made clear that we are the least important people in a decision which affects us the most. We need answers,” they added. Chi Onwurah, Labour Member of Parliament for Newcastle Central, said she would be contacting the Premier League. “I know that many constituents will be disappointed and frustrated by the withdrawal of the latest NUFC takeover offer. I will be writing to the Premier League to ask why they took so long and gave so little clarity to NUFC fans,” she wrote on Twitter. The city’s local newspaper, The Chronicle, published an open letter to the Premier League saying the team’s supporters were owed an explanation. “A transformative but deeply controversial takeover is off. Having dreamed of something different, the city now confronts the reality of what Newcastle are: unloved, divorced from its people, deeply divided and facing the most uncertain of futures,” the paper wrote. “The Premier League tonight stands accused of blocking a once-in-a-lifetime investment in the city and football club. It is a serious accusation that demands a response,” it added. Noting that the Premier League has kept quiet, observing the confidential nature of the owners and directors test, the paper said the time had come for openness. “But without clarity or the decency to even acknowledge the festering sores at one of your member clubs, we do not know. Left in the dark, Newcastle fans are furious tonight,” The Chronicle said. The Premier League and Newcastle United did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Newcastle fans demand answers after Saudi bid collapses

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> wanted the Saudi state to become a director of Newcastle United for a takeover deal to go through, according to a leading member of the investment group who were looking to buy the club.&nbsp;

A proposed £300 million ($391 million) takeover collapsed on Thursday when the investment group of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), billionaire brothers David and Simon Reuben and Amanda Staveley of PCP Capital Partners said they had withdrawn their interest after three months waiting for the Premier League's approval.

Issues over Saudi piracy of sports broadcasting rights, including the Premier League, and pressure from human rights groups to block the deal complicated the process.

Staveley has been interested in buying the club for the past three years and had finally agreed a deal with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley in April with PIF reportedly set to take an 80 percent stake in the club.

"The Premier League wanted the country, Saudi, to become a director of the football club," Staveley told The Athletic.

"That's what this is about. They were effectively saying 'PIF wouldn't be the ultimate beneficial owner, we believe it's actually the government, therefore we want the country to become a director'.

"The Premier League made it so hard. It would be unprecedented. No country has ever become a director of a club. It's ridiculous."

Staveley also claimed that other Premier League clubs played a part in influencing the league's decision to stall over seeing the deal through.

Newcastle have not won a major domestic trophy since 1955, but could still count on regular crowds of 50,000 before coronavirus pandemic forced stadiums to close.

Many fans dreamed that the riches of a Saudi-backed project could replicate Manchester City's success in winning four Premier League titles since Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Mansour bought the club in 2008.

"We know that other clubs briefed heavily against it. Because they were jealous," Staveley added.

"Newcastle are the last great untapped club. The last great club with so much potential to grow and improve and with a fanbase who were already there and who wanted it so much."

Newcastle's all-time top goalscorer Alan Shearer said the club's fans have been left angry and disappointed by the collapse of the takeover.

"There's a lot of anger, understandably so, and a massive amount of disappointment," Shearer told the BBC.

"They want their club to compete, they want their club to move forward, that's why yesterday was such a disappointing day."

Retail tycoon Ashley is a deeply unpopular figure among the Newcastle support for his treatment of fans and an unwillingness to invest on the field to improve the club's fortunes.

Newcastle have finished 13th in the Premier League table for the past two seasons and have twice been relegated to the Championship during Ashley's 13-year reign.

"We can only hope and pray that new owners come in at some stage and take the club back to where it belongs because that's what the fans of Newcastle deserve," said Shearer.

The Premier League wanted the Saudi state to become a director of Newcastle United for a takeover deal to go through, according to a leading member of the investment group who were looking to buy the club.

The Premier League wanted the Saudi state to become a director of Newcastle United for a takeover deal to go through, according to a leading member of the investment group who were looking to buy the club. A proposed £300 million ($391 million) takeover collapsed on Thursday when the investment group of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), billionaire brothers David and Simon Reuben and Amanda Staveley of PCP Capital Partners said they had withdrawn their interest after three months waiting for the Premier League's approval. Issues over Saudi piracy of sports broadcasting rights, including the Premier League, and pressure from human rights groups to block the deal complicated the process. Staveley has been interested in buying the club for the past three years and had finally agreed a deal with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley in April with PIF reportedly set to take an 80 percent stake in the club. "The Premier League wanted the country, Saudi, to become a director of the football club," Staveley told The Athletic. "That's what this is about. They were effectively saying 'PIF wouldn't be the ultimate beneficial owner, we believe it's actually the government, therefore we want the country to become a director'. "The Premier League made it so hard. It would be unprecedented. No country has ever become a director of a club. It's ridiculous." Staveley also claimed that other Premier League clubs played a part in influencing the league's decision to stall over seeing the deal through. Newcastle have not won a major domestic trophy since 1955, but could still count on regular crowds of 50,000 before coronavirus pandemic forced stadiums to close. Many fans dreamed that the riches of a Saudi-backed project could replicate Manchester City's success in winning four Premier League titles since Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Mansour bought the club in 2008. "We know that other clubs briefed heavily against it. Because they were jealous," Staveley added. "Newcastle are the last great untapped club. The last great club with so much potential to grow and improve and with a fanbase who were already there and who wanted it so much." Newcastle's all-time top goalscorer Alan Shearer said the club's fans have been left angry and disappointed by the collapse of the takeover. "There's a lot of anger, understandably so, and a massive amount of disappointment," Shearer told the BBC. "They want their club to compete, they want their club to move forward, that's why yesterday was such a disappointing day." Retail tycoon Ashley is a deeply unpopular figure among the Newcastle support for his treatment of fans and an unwillingness to invest on the field to improve the club's fortunes. Newcastle have finished 13th in the Premier League table for the past two seasons and have twice been relegated to the Championship during Ashley's 13-year reign. "We can only hope and pray that new owners come in at some stage and take the club back to where it belongs because that's what the fans of Newcastle deserve," said Shearer.

Premier League wanted Saudi state to become Newcastle director - Staveley

Newcastle United and the Premier League should put moral values ahead of the financial rewards from a proposed £300 million ($372 million) Saudi-backed takeover, the fiancee of murdered dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi said on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will reportedly take an 80 percent stake in Newcastle should the takeover be approved by the Premier League.

The mooted deal comes against the backdrop of the death of Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor and US resident who was killed in 2018 while at Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul to obtain paperwork ahead of his wedding to Hatice Cengiz.

Turkish officials say a 15-man Saudi squad strangled Khashoggi and cut his body into pieces. His remains were never found.

Cengiz has already called for the Premier League to block the Newcastle takeover and now she has questioned the morality of top-flight chiefs and the Tyneside club.

"Moral values should prevail," Cengiz told the BBC on Sunday.

"My message would be to the management of Newcastle United and to the decision makers.

"We should consider ethical values, not just financial or political ones. Money cannot buy everything in the world. So the message that will be given to people like Crown Prince is extremely important.

"There should be no place in English football for those credibly accused of atrocities and murder."

A Saudi court in December sentenced five people to death over the killing, handing three others long jail sentences and acquitting the remaining three charged in the case.

Rights group Amnesty International condemned the outcome as a "whitewash".

The two top figures investigated over the killing -- both part of the crown prince's inner circle -- were exonerated.

Both the CIA and a United Nations special envoy have directly linked the crown prince to the killing, a charge the kingdom vehemently denies.

"We don't want this deal to go ahead. We are not just talking about the murder of a human being but the efforts to keep all hopes regarding the future, to keep human rights alive, to support justice and to start a transformation in the Middle East," Cengiz said.

"This deal seems to be about buying something. But there is a wider picture. Saudi Arabia shows the world its face of reform.&nbsp;

"But it has another face where the reality is far from what is shown to the world. This is why we want this (deal) to be stopped and not be completed."

The Premier League must determine whether the bid fulfils its owners and directors' test.

Oliver Dowden, the UK culture secretary, told a meeting of the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee last week it was a "matter for the Premier League" rather than government.

Newcastle United and the Premier League should put moral values ahead of the financial rewards from a proposed £300 million ($372 million) Saudi-backed takeover, the fiancee of murdered dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi said on Sunday.

Newcastle United and the Premier League should put moral values ahead of the financial rewards from a proposed £300 million ($372 million) Saudi-backed takeover, the fiancee of murdered dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi said on Sunday. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will reportedly take an 80 percent stake in Newcastle should the takeover be approved by the Premier League. The mooted deal comes against the backdrop of the death of Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor and US resident who was killed in 2018 while at Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul to obtain paperwork ahead of his wedding to Hatice Cengiz. Turkish officials say a 15-man Saudi squad strangled Khashoggi and cut his body into pieces. His remains were never found. Cengiz has already called for the Premier League to block the Newcastle takeover and now she has questioned the morality of top-flight chiefs and the Tyneside club. "Moral values should prevail," Cengiz told the BBC on Sunday. "My message would be to the management of Newcastle United and to the decision makers. "We should consider ethical values, not just financial or political ones. Money cannot buy everything in the world. So the message that will be given to people like Crown Prince is extremely important. "There should be no place in English football for those credibly accused of atrocities and murder." A Saudi court in December sentenced five people to death over the killing, handing three others long jail sentences and acquitting the remaining three charged in the case. Rights group Amnesty International condemned the outcome as a "whitewash". The two top figures investigated over the killing -- both part of the crown prince's inner circle -- were exonerated. Both the CIA and a United Nations special envoy have directly linked the crown prince to the killing, a charge the kingdom vehemently denies. "We don't want this deal to go ahead. We are not just talking about the murder of a human being but the efforts to keep all hopes regarding the future, to keep human rights alive, to support justice and to start a transformation in the Middle East," Cengiz said. "This deal seems to be about buying something. But there is a wider picture. Saudi Arabia shows the world its face of reform. "But it has another face where the reality is far from what is shown to the world. This is why we want this (deal) to be stopped and not be completed." The Premier League must determine whether the bid fulfils its owners and directors' test. Oliver Dowden, the UK culture secretary, told a meeting of the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee last week it was a "matter for the Premier League" rather than government.

Khashoggi's fiancee insists moral values must come first in Newcastle takeover

A Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United appears to be nearing completion at a time when the rest of the football industry is on its knees due to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

For Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the crisis presents a commercial opportunity and a chance to break into the lucrative Premier League.

But the potential £300 million ($370 million) deal, which will reportedly see the Saudi fund take an 80 percent stake in the club,&nbsp;is facing fierce opposition from human rights groups and one of Saudi's regional rivals.

The Premier League bubble is close to bursting as clubs scramble to avoid losing hundreds of millions in broadcast rebates if the season is not completed and a deep recession threatens income from gate receipts, merchandise and sponsorship.

As a result, transfer fees are expected to drop sharply while wages will also be depressed, with even the world's wealthiest clubs now hastily arranging pay cuts or deferrals with their star players.

<h2>- Rights concerns -</h2>

The spectre of a Saudi takeover throws another spanner in the works for the league's governance at a time of crisis.

Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of "sports washing", saying the government uses sport as a way of distracting attention from its human rights record.

Global rights group Amnesty International wrote to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters on Tuesday, warning the competition "risks becoming a patsy" unless it takes a serious look at the rights issue.

"If the crown prince, by virtue of his authority over the Public Investment Fund, takes control of Newcastle United, we are questioning how that can possibly be positive for the reputation of the Premier League," Felix Jakens, Amnesty UK's Head of Priority Campaigns and Individuals at Risk, told AFP.

The Newcastle bid comes just months after five people were sentenced to death over the 2018 murder in Saudi Arabia's Istanbul consulate of Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist who had been critical of the Saudi regime.

The murder, described as a "rogue" operation by Riyadh, tipped Saudi Arabia into one of its worst diplomatic crises and tarnished the reputation of the crown prince , who is the de facto ruler of the country.

But resistance to the deal may come down to a monetary rather than moral judgement.

One of the Premier League's biggest overseas broadcasters, BeIN Sports, has written to all 20 English top-flight clubs warning the "future economic model of football" is at stake if the Saudi takeover is allowed to go through.

Qatar-based BeIN accuses Saudi of masterminding the pirate broadcasting of BeIN output, which included EPL games, as part of a spat between Doha and Riyadh. Saudi denies the claims.

<h2>- Manchester City template -</h2>

For those competing at the top of the table, a Saudi-backed Newcastle could also become a threat on the pitch.

Prior to a takeover from Sheikh Mansour, a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family in 2008, Manchester City had not won a major trophy since 1976.&nbsp;

The English champions have now won 11 in the past nine years, including four Premier League titles.

The investment required to raise City's status from mid-table mediocrity to title contenders resulted in losses of £584 million in the first six years of the Abu Dhabi reign.

By buying in at a time when most other clubs are strapped for cash, the PIF could transform Newcastle's fortunes on the field more quickly and at a much lower cost.

"The vultures and predators will pick off good players for very modest fees," football finance expert Kieran Maguire told AFP.

The Saudi PIF did not respond to AFP's request for comment.

The chances of other clubs mirroring what City and Qatari-owned Paris Saint-Germain have done in spending their way into the elite of European football seemed to have been ended by financial fair play (FFP) rules.

To gain access to UEFA's lucrative European competitions, clubs must not lose more than 30 million euros ($33 million) over a three-year period.

Indeed, subject to an appeal, City have been banned by UEFA from European competitions for the next two seasons for overstating their sponsorship revenue.

Premier League rules on FFP are far less restrictive, with losses up to £105 million over the course of three years allowed.

However, given the damage wreaked on the football industry by the coronavirus shutdown, the authorities may have to relax punitive sanctions for breaching FFP in the coming seasons.

A UEFA working group is already studying how FFP will need to be adapted following the crisis.

Should their appetite for spending not be curbed by FFP and with the PIF sitting on assets worth $320 billion, Newcastle could soon be the envy of European football.

A Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United appears to be nearing completion at a time when the rest of the football industry is on its knees due to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

A Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United appears to be nearing completion at a time when the rest of the football industry is on its knees due to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. For Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the crisis presents a commercial opportunity and a chance to break into the lucrative Premier League. But the potential £300 million ($370 million) deal, which will reportedly see the Saudi fund take an 80 percent stake in the club, is facing fierce opposition from human rights groups and one of Saudi's regional rivals. The Premier League bubble is close to bursting as clubs scramble to avoid losing hundreds of millions in broadcast rebates if the season is not completed and a deep recession threatens income from gate receipts, merchandise and sponsorship. As a result, transfer fees are expected to drop sharply while wages will also be depressed, with even the world's wealthiest clubs now hastily arranging pay cuts or deferrals with their star players. - Rights concerns - The spectre of a Saudi takeover throws another spanner in the works for the league's governance at a time of crisis. Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of "sports washing", saying the government uses sport as a way of distracting attention from its human rights record. Global rights group Amnesty International wrote to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters on Tuesday, warning the competition "risks becoming a patsy" unless it takes a serious look at the rights issue. "If the crown prince, by virtue of his authority over the Public Investment Fund, takes control of Newcastle United, we are questioning how that can possibly be positive for the reputation of the Premier League," Felix Jakens, Amnesty UK's Head of Priority Campaigns and Individuals at Risk, told AFP. The Newcastle bid comes just months after five people were sentenced to death over the 2018 murder in Saudi Arabia's Istanbul consulate of Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist who had been critical of the Saudi regime. The murder, described as a "rogue" operation by Riyadh, tipped Saudi Arabia into one of its worst diplomatic crises and tarnished the reputation of the crown prince , who is the de facto ruler of the country. But resistance to the deal may come down to a monetary rather than moral judgement. One of the Premier League's biggest overseas broadcasters, BeIN Sports, has written to all 20 English top-flight clubs warning the "future economic model of football" is at stake if the Saudi takeover is allowed to go through. Qatar-based BeIN accuses Saudi of masterminding the pirate broadcasting of BeIN output, which included EPL games, as part of a spat between Doha and Riyadh. Saudi denies the claims. - Manchester City template - For those competing at the top of the table, a Saudi-backed Newcastle could also become a threat on the pitch. Prior to a takeover from Sheikh Mansour, a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family in 2008, Manchester City had not won a major trophy since 1976. The English champions have now won 11 in the past nine years, including four Premier League titles. The investment required to raise City's status from mid-table mediocrity to title contenders resulted in losses of £584 million in the first six years of the Abu Dhabi reign. By buying in at a time when most other clubs are strapped for cash, the PIF could transform Newcastle's fortunes on the field more quickly and at a much lower cost. "The vultures and predators will pick off good players for very modest fees," football finance expert Kieran Maguire told AFP. The Saudi PIF did not respond to AFP's request for comment. The chances of other clubs mirroring what City and Qatari-owned Paris Saint-Germain have done in spending their way into the elite of European football seemed to have been ended by financial fair play (FFP) rules. To gain access to UEFA's lucrative European competitions, clubs must not lose more than 30 million euros ($33 million) over a three-year period. Indeed, subject to an appeal, City have been banned by UEFA from European competitions for the next two seasons for overstating their sponsorship revenue. Premier League rules on FFP are far less restrictive, with losses up to £105 million over the course of three years allowed. However, given the damage wreaked on the football industry by the coronavirus shutdown, the authorities may have to relax punitive sanctions for breaching FFP in the coming seasons. A UEFA working group is already studying how FFP will need to be adapted following the crisis. Should their appetite for spending not be curbed by FFP and with the PIF sitting on assets worth $320 billion, Newcastle could soon be the envy of European football.

Coronavirus crisis presents opportunity for Saudi's Newcastle project

The Premier League and all the clubs have been urged to block the much-talked-about takeover of Newcastle United by its overseas TV partner beIN Sports. Newcastle United are on the verge of a £300m-plus takeover by Saudi-backed consortium PCP Capitals, involving Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The Magpies could be handed over to the consortium, involving financier Amanda Staveley, in the next couple of weeks given the Premier Leagues’ Owners and Directors’ Test is completed. However, Qatar-based broadcaster beIN Sports has said that Saudi Arabia should be held accountable for its involvement in a pirate TV network, which broadcasts Premier League matches illegally.&nbsp;

The network, named beoutQ, first began live-streaming sporting events, illegally, in the year 2017. The Premier League has been among a number of organisations and sporting bodies who have asked Arabsat to stop providing a channel for a pirate network.&nbsp;

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In July 2019, the Premier League said that it had spoken to nine law firms in Saudi Arabia, who simply refused to pursue a copyright complaint against beoutQ.

BeIN Sports are Premier League’s biggest overseas broadcast partner with their deal costing £500million for three years

Yousef al-Obaidly, the chief executive of beIN, has written to all 20 Premier League while petitioning the governing bodies’ chief executive, Richard Masters.

“The danger of allowing the acquisition of a controlling or material interest (whether acquired directly or indirectly) in a major Premier League club by what is effectively the Saudi Arabian government cannot be ignored given the country's past and continuing illegal actions and their direct impact upon the commercial interests of the Premier League, its member clubs, its broadcast partners and football in general.

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“As a longstanding partner and huge investor in the Premier League, we urge you to consider carefully all the implications of doing so.”

He adds: “The legacy of the illegal service will continue to impact you going forward.

“When the Premier League season re-commences in the coming months, all of the league’s broadcasters’ content will continue to be readily and illegally available via the IPTV streaming functionality on the beoutQ set-top-boxes which were sold in significant quantities in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA (the Middle East and North Africa) region.

“Furthermore – given the crippling economic effect that coronavirus is having on the sports industry – this is all happening at a time when football clubs need to protect their broadcast revenue the most.”

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been under political dispute since 2017. 
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The Premier League and all the clubs have been urged to block the much-talked-about takeover of Newcastle United by its overseas TV partner beIN Sports. Newcastle United are on the verge of a £300m-plus takeover by Saudi-backed consortium PCP Capitals, involving Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The Premier League and all the clubs have been urged to block the much-talked-about takeover of Newcastle United by its overseas TV partner beIN Sports. Newcastle United are on the verge of a £300m-plus takeover by Saudi-backed consortium PCP Capitals, involving Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Magpies could be handed over to the consortium, involving financier Amanda Staveley, in the next couple of weeks given the Premier Leagues’ Owners and Directors’ Test is completed. However, Qatar-based broadcaster beIN Sports has said that Saudi Arabia should be held accountable for its involvement in a pirate TV network, which broadcasts Premier League matches illegally. The network, named beoutQ, first began live-streaming sporting events, illegally, in the year 2017. The Premier League has been among a number of organisations and sporting bodies who have asked Arabsat to stop providing a channel for a pirate network. ALSO READ: Dutch top flight likely over after government extends ban In July 2019, the Premier League said that it had spoken to nine law firms in Saudi Arabia, who simply refused to pursue a copyright complaint against beoutQ. BeIN Sports are Premier League’s biggest overseas broadcast partner with their deal costing £500million for three years Yousef al-Obaidly, the chief executive of beIN, has written to all 20 Premier League while petitioning the governing bodies’ chief executive, Richard Masters. “The danger of allowing the acquisition of a controlling or material interest (whether acquired directly or indirectly) in a major Premier League club by what is effectively the Saudi Arabian government cannot be ignored given the country's past and continuing illegal actions and their direct impact upon the commercial interests of the Premier League, its member clubs, its broadcast partners and football in general. ALSO READ: German football plans May return but debate rages “As a longstanding partner and huge investor in the Premier League, we urge you to consider carefully all the implications of doing so.” He adds: “The legacy of the illegal service will continue to impact you going forward. “When the Premier League season re-commences in the coming months, all of the league’s broadcasters’ content will continue to be readily and illegally available via the IPTV streaming functionality on the beoutQ set-top-boxes which were sold in significant quantities in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA (the Middle East and North Africa) region. “Furthermore – given the crippling economic effect that coronavirus is having on the sports industry – this is all happening at a time when football clubs need to protect their broadcast revenue the most.” Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been under political dispute since 2017.

Premier League clubs urged to combine and block £300 million Newcastle United takeover

The much-talked-about takeover of English club Newcastle United is set to be completed with Saudi-backed consortium PCP Capitals Partners paying the deposit amount while exchanging contracts with current owner Mike Ashley.

With contracts exchanged, the only element of the deal left is Premier League’s Owners and Directors’ Test, which verifies the ability to fund the club alongside checking any criminal records of those involved in a takeover.

After the Premier League’s Owners and Directors’ Test is completed, the remained of the £300m fee will be handed over to Ashley and the deal could be officially announced as early as the end of April.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mesut-ozil-refuses-to-take-pay-cut-despite-being-highest-earner-at-arsenal-293800" hreflang="en">Mesut Ozil refuses to take pay-cut despite being highest earner at Arsenal</a>

The Premier League began the background checks earlier in April on those involved in Amada Staveley’s consortium, which includes Saudi’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi’s Crown Price controls the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is set to own 80 per cent of Newcastle United’s shares.&nbsp;

However, any issues relating to Saudi’s human rights record would need a review from the UK government to decide whether the deal could be finalized – an extremely unlikely prospect.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/august-deadline-on-agenda-as-uefa-gears-up-for-meeting-with-55-associations-293778" hreflang="en">August deadline on agenda as UEFA gears up for meeting with 55 associations</a>

Gary Caldwell, a product of Newcastle academy, was of the view that Newcastle United could achieve anything with the right backing, strategy and structure.&nbsp;

Caldwell told a leading British news portal: "It is a football-mad city, that with the right backing, strategy and structure behind the scenes it could achieve anything it wants in terms of where it goes because of the fantastic fan base that it has.

"For years now there has been conflict between the owner, the football team and the supporters. 
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The much-talked-about takeover of English club Newcastle United is set to be completed with Saudi-backed consortium PCP Capitals Partners paying the deposit amount while exchanging contracts with current owner Mike Ashley.

The much-talked-about takeover of English club Newcastle United is set to be completed with Saudi-backed consortium PCP Capitals Partners paying the deposit amount while exchanging contracts with current owner Mike Ashley. With contracts exchanged, the only element of the deal left is Premier League’s Owners and Directors’ Test, which verifies the ability to fund the club alongside checking any criminal records of those involved in a takeover. After the Premier League’s Owners and Directors’ Test is completed, the remained of the £300m fee will be handed over to Ashley and the deal could be officially announced as early as the end of April. ALSO READ: Mesut Ozil refuses to take pay-cut despite being highest earner at Arsenal The Premier League began the background checks earlier in April on those involved in Amada Staveley’s consortium, which includes Saudi’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi’s Crown Price controls the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is set to own 80 per cent of Newcastle United’s shares. However, any issues relating to Saudi’s human rights record would need a review from the UK government to decide whether the deal could be finalized – an extremely unlikely prospect. ALSO READ: August deadline on agenda as UEFA gears up for meeting with 55 associations Gary Caldwell, a product of Newcastle academy, was of the view that Newcastle United could achieve anything with the right backing, strategy and structure. Caldwell told a leading British news portal: "It is a football-mad city, that with the right backing, strategy and structure behind the scenes it could achieve anything it wants in terms of where it goes because of the fantastic fan base that it has. "For years now there has been conflict between the owner, the football team and the supporters.

Contracts exchanged and deposit paid: Newcastle United takeover set to be completed in blockbuster move