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Sports News of Tuesday, 21 April 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Newcastle Takeover: Amnesty Int. raises concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record

Mike Ashley - Newcastle's current owner Mike Ashley - Newcastle's current owner

As a Saudi-backed consortium draws closer to the takeover of Premier League side, Newcastle United, Amnesty International UK has raised concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) joined forces with the Yorkshire-born financier Amanda Staveley and the UK-based billionaire Reuben brothers to buy the club from Mike Ashley and a non-refundable £17m deposit has already been paid.

The club is expected to be sold for a total of £300m, bringing an end to the current owner - Mike Ashley's 13-year ownership of The Magpies.

In the letter to chief executive Richard Masters, Amnesty UK's director Kate Allen says there are "serious questions for the Premier League to address" concerning the deal.

She said: "The coronavirus crisis has already thrown a spotlight on football and its need to treat players and staff fairly, and now there's a danger that the pandemic could obscure the need for a cool, measured and genuinely ethical decision over this Newcastle deal.

"All businesses need to safeguard against any possible links to human rights violations, and English football is no different.

"We're absolutely not saying who should end up running Newcastle United, but unless the Premier League pauses and looks seriously at the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia it risks becoming a patsy - a willing dupe of those trying to sportswash their abysmal human rights records."

Allen added: "This is more than just a financial transaction - it's an image-building exercise that draws on the prestige of the Premier League and the passion of Newcastle United's fanbase.

"Whether or not this deal goes ahead, we're calling on Newcastle United staff and fans to familiarise themselves with the dire human rights situation in Saudi Arabia and be prepared to speak out about it.

"At the very least, the Premier League should make a clear statement over how its owners and directors test has been applied in this case, and what assessment has been made of Saudi Arabia's human rights record under Mohammad bin Salman's leadership. How can this be positive for the reputation and image of the Premier League?"

The Premier League's owners and directors test assesses the suitability of would-be buyers on a set of established criteria.

The rules allow the league to consider whether the buyers have the means to fund the club and examine any criminal convictions in the UK or overseas.

A Premier League spokesperson told Sky Sports News: "The Premier League will not comment on any aspect of the proposed sale of Newcastle United."

Sky Sports