beIN Sports, holder of the rights to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Premier League, was banned by Saudi Arabia in 2017 at the start of a diplomatic and transport blockade from Qatar that ended in January.
Allan Saint-Maximin (L) equalized for Newcastle United against Leeds United in the Premier League. AP
A Saudi takeover of England’s Premier League club Newcastle drew closer on Wednesday as the Gulf state lifted its ban on Qatar-based beIN Sports.
The broadcaster that owns the rights to the Premier League in the area East and North Africa (MENA) was banned by Saudi Arabia in 2017 at the start of a diplomatic and transport blockade from Qatar that ended in January.
« Saudi Arabia’s 4.5-year illegal ban on beIN is being reversed « a source close to the matter told AFP.
The source added that Riyadh had attempted to resolve Qatar’s $ 1 billion arbitration claim for pirate broadcasts by the BeoutQ network to the Saudi audience.
Riyadh denied any involvement in BeoutQ, but failure to take action against the broadcaster was a major factor behind the Premier League’s decision last year to accept a £ 300 million Saudi offer lar) for Newcastle.
A Competition Appeals Tribunal heard last week that the league was « inappropriately influenced » in its decision by top English clubs and beIN.
An arbitration hearing has been scheduled for January, the however, may no longer be required as reports in England suggest the deal could get the green light from the Premier League in the coming hours.
A consortium made up of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Amanda Staveleys PCP Capital Partners and The Reuben Brothers withdrew their offer for Newcastle in 2020 after waiting long for the deal to be approved.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Doha on allegations ab, it supported extremists and was too close to arch-rival Iran.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, was with last month the Emir of Qatar and the National Security Advisor of the United Arab Emirates shown grinning in swimwear.
Last December, the Premier League and beIN announced a new rights agreement worth US $ 500 million for the MENA region, which will run until Will run in 2025.
According to British newspaper reports, 19 of England’s top 20 clubs supported the deal, with Newcastle being the only club to vote against.
The takeover could change the fate of the Magpies, who have not had a major trophy since 1969 have won more.
Manchester City have won five Premier League titles in the past 10 years with the support of Abu Dhabi-based owners.
Fans have long protested against current owner Mike Ashley, who runs the club Purchased in 2007 due to a lack of investment. Newcastle are in second place in the Premier League with no wins in their first seven games of the season.
A recent survey by the Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust found that 93.8 percent of fans were in favor of the takeover.
The prospect of however, a Saudi takeover was met with a backlash by human rights groups.
In April 2020, Amnesty International wrote to Premier League chairman Richard Masters warning that it was part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to « sport-launder » its human rights record .
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