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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My statement urging <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> to intervene to stop the takeover of <a href="https://twitter.com/NUFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NUFC</a> and keep MBS away from sports in the UK. Doing otherwise, will greatly stain the reputation of The Premiere League and the UK. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nufctakover?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nufctakover</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NUFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JusticeForJamal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JusticeForJamal</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZXfxY04Dsj">pic.twitter.com/ZXfxY04Dsj</a></p>— Hatice Cengiz / خديجة (@mercan_resifi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mercan_resifi/status/1253666472167182339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
The fiancée of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi has urged the Premier League to block the takeover of Newcastle United by Saudi Arabia.

Khashoggi, a dissident Saudi columnist, was killed in 2018 inside Saudi Arabia's consulate in Turkey.

Western intelligence agencies believe Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered his death - which he denies.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, led by the prince, looks set to acquire an 80% stake in the club.

But lawyers speaking on behalf of Hatice Cengiz, Khashoggi's fiancée, said the takeover should be blocked over the killing.

Mike Ashley has owned Newcastle since 2007 and put the club up for sale in 2017. The proposed Saudi takeover is thought to be worth some £300 million.

But it has already caused much controversy.

The Saudi government has been accused of facilitating the theft of Premier League commercial rights, while Amnesty International has criticised the potential deal due to the country's dire human rights record.

The country has also been accused of "sportswashing", a term used to describe countries that try to improve their international reputation by investing in major teams or hosting big sporting events.

But these accusations have been rebuffed by the Saudi government, which claims it wants to get more of its people engaged in sport.

What has Khashoggi's fiancée said?

Lawyers for Ms Cengiz said in a letter on her behalf that the Premier League should block the takeover.

"It is undoubtedly the right, proper and lawful action for you (chief executive Richard Masters) and the Premier League to take, especially in light of the ruthless killing of Ms Cengiz's fiancée," the letter said.

There should be no place in English football for anyone "involved in such abhorrent acts", it said.

"The standing of both the Premiership and English football in general would be tarnished by your connection with those who commit the most appalling crimes and then seek to whitewash them, and who seek to use English football as a way of improving their image and hiding their transgressions."

What happened to Jamal Khashoggi?

The journalist - who had gone into self-imposed exile in the US in 2017 - went to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October 2018, seeking papers to marry Ms Cengiz.

Investigators believe that as she waited outside, the 59-year-old was murdered and then dismembered. Khashoggi's remains have never been found.

The gruesome killing shocked the world and UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard said there was credible evidence that Crown Prince Mohammed and other high-level Saudi officials were individually liable.

A court in Saudi Arabia last year sentenced five people to death and jailed three others over his murder.

Turkey has separately charged 20 suspects over the murder.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-52465137
 
BREAKING: Mauricio Pochettino is Newcastle’s prospective new owners’ number one choice to take charge at St James' Park and they are willing to pay him £19m a year.
 
Newcastle fans say they will raise issues about Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses even if they support the prospective takeover of the club.
 
The president of the Spanish league wants the Premier League to consider the “damage” that Saudi Arabia’s pirating of broadcasts has caused the sport before it decides whether to approve a takeover of Newcastle by the country’s sovereign wealth fund.

The Saudis are trying to buy an English topflight club while “stealing football” through the beoutQ service that is undermining the sport’s finances, La Liga President Javier Tebas told The Associated Press.

The Premier League has been part of a joint push by global soccer competitions, including La Liga, in trying to shut down beoutQ’s pirated broadcasts of games. They both lodged protests with the American government which led last month to Saudi Arabia remaining on a “Priority Watch List” as one of the “notorious markets for counterfeiting and piracy.”

Human rights activists have also put pressure on the Premier League to consider stopping the Saudi sovereign wealth fund becoming the majority owner of Newcastle. The Premier League has not commented on the progress of the process for approving the takeover even as objections to the deal have grown.

“European football rights – including Newcastle rights – have been stolen systematically by BeoutQ for three years,” Tebas said in a statement to the AP. “Now the Saudis want a seat at the top table — forgetting the damage they have done through BeoutQ. If football leagues and clubs do not protect their intellectual property, they have nothing. LaLiga couldn’t be clearer about this — stealing the football broadcast is stealing football.”

The bootlegging of sports broadcasts is a proxy in a wider Gulf diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar, which owns Premier League and La Liga rights through the beIN Sports network that is banned from operating in Saudi Arabia.

La Liga and the Premier League wrote separately to the Office of the United States Trade Representative in February to highlight the lack of legal action taken by Saudi Arabia over beoutQ despite complaints.

The Premier League’s current television contracts are worth 9.2 billion pounds ($11.4 billion) over three seasons.

“The scale and nature of online piracy, such as that committed in Saudi Arabia ... continues to place this revenue at significant risk,” the Premier League wrote to the U.S. government body.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund is pursuing an 80% stake in Newcastle in a 300 million pound ($370 million) takeover alongside the wealthy British-based Reuben brothers and financier Amanda Staveley, buying out retail entrepreneur Mike Ashley.

A letter was sent to Premier League clubs last month by beIN Media Group CEO Yousef Al-Obaidly warning of the “danger of allowing the acquisition” given Saudi Arabia’s “illegal actions and their direct impact upon the commercial interests of the Premier League.”

Amnesty International has also asked the league to consider blocking the bid because the fund is overseen by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying he has been involved in a “sweeping crackdown on human rights.”

Agnes Callamard, a U.N. special rapporteur who authored an inquiry into the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, said there was “sufficient credible evidence regarding the responsibility of the crown prince demanding further investigation” and required sanctions.

Tebas has also previously denounced Saudi Arabia over human rights by highlighting its role in the murder of Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018.

“The Saudi Arabian government has a policy whereby they improve the image of the government through sport — whitewashing their image,” Tebas said during a visit to London in January. “We should not forget what happened in the Turkish embassy.

“We should not forget these things. This happened in an embassy, not a pub and this is very serious, at least in my opinion. Money is not the only thing that matters.”

https://apnews.com/319f05b62629c4dd113524d38af5d147
 
Newcastle United and the Premier League must put moral values ahead of financial gains, says the fiancee of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund looks set to finance 80% of a £300m takeover of the club.

Khashoggi was killed in 2018 with Western intelligence agencies believing that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the murder - which he denies.

"Moral values should prevail," Hatice Cengiz told BBC 5 Live.

"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".

The Premier League declined to comment.

Khashoggi - a dissident Saudi columnist living in self-exile in the United States - had gone to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October 2018, seeking papers to marry Cengiz.

Investigators believe that as she waited outside, the 59-year-old was murdered and then dismembered. His remains have never been found.

UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard said there was credible evidence that Crown Prince Mohammed and other high-level Saudi officials were individually liable.

A court in Saudi Arabia last year sentenced five people to death and jailed three others over his murder, while Turkey has separately charged 20 suspects over the murder.

"We don't want this deal to go ahead," Cengiz added. "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.

"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."

What do we know about the takeover?
Mike Ashley has owned Newcastle since 2007 and put the club up for sale in 2017. The proposed Saudi takeover is thought to be worth some £300 million.

But it has already caused much controversy.

Who are the main people involved in the potential deal?
Premier League warned over takeover
The Saudi government has been accused of facilitating the theft of Premier League commercial rights, while Amnesty International has criticised the potential deal due to the country's dire human rights record.

The country has also been accused of "sportswashing", a term used to describe countries that try to improve their international reputation by investing in major teams or hosting big sporting events.

But these accusations have been rebuffed by the Saudi government, which claims it wants to get more of its people engaged in sport.

Cengiz has written to the Premier League to state the takeover should be blocked. In a reply to her letter from chief executive Richard Masters, seen by BBC Sport, he says the Premier League are following "due processes required by UK law and by the Premier League's own rules", which "go beyond those required by UK company law" and are "applied with rigour". But he says he "appreciates the strength of feeling" from her and reiterated his condolences.

Last month, the Premier League was urged by one of its largest overseas broadcast partners to "fully interrogate" Newcastle United's proposed £300m takeover.

The chief executive of the Qatar-based TV giant beIN Sport, Yousef al-Obaidly, has written to the chairs of top-flight clubs about the deal, which could see the Magpies bought by a Saudi-backed consortium.

In the letter, Al-Obaidly accused the Saudi Arabian government of the "facilitation of the near three-year theft of the Premier League's commercial rights - and in turn your club's commercial revenues - through its backing of the huge-scale beoutQ pirate service".
 
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has warned players will not be fit enough to resume the Premier League season until the end of June.
 
Steve Bruce: Newcastle manager backs himself to compete with the best amid takeover talks

Newcastle boss admits he is 'in the dark' over his future, but insists he would back himself to succeed.

Steve Bruce has underlined his credentials as the right man to lead Newcastle, should the club's proposed takeover be completed.

Bruce's position at St. James' Park looks secure until the end of the current season but is increasingly uncertain thereafter, with Newcastle's prospective new owners reportedly identifying Mauricio Pochettino and Rafa Benitez as potential managerial options.

Under Bruce's tutelage, Newcastle were 13th in the Premier League, eight points clear of the relegation zone and homing in on another season of top-flight football, when the campaign was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking to Sky Sports' Geoff Shreeves, the Newcastle manager said: "We all aspire in management, we all aspire to be Pep (Guardiola), Jurgen (Klopp)... these great managers who've been a breath of fresh air to football. Jurgen Klopp coming into this country, you just have to applaud him for his tactics and the way Liverpool play.

"If it's good for Newcastle, and the club are going to try to compete with these teams, to be part of it would be great. I would love to see it and I'd love to be part of it. I hope it's where it goes, but in the meantime I'll just crack on, wait, roll my sleeves up and get on with trying to get some results to try and get the club going forward.

"If that happens for Newcastle in the future, then great - I'd be delighted. You do get labelled in the game, and that's why I enjoyed my time managing in the Championship. I'd back myself against most people in that division.

"But to be in a position where you're actually challenging, and you have a good enough team as Newcastle did in 1995 and under Sir Bobby Robson as well, then it would be wonderful. I'd back myself, of course I would.

"Management, whether you're managing in the lower division or you're right at the top, it's about getting the best out of what you've got. And if you can do that, I'd back myself to have a crack at it. I'd be confident that I'd be able to do it.

"Whether that's ever going to be the case, who knows?"

Read more: https://www.skysports.com/football/...-to-compete-with-the-best-amid-takeover-talks
 
Newcastle's takeover has reportedly been given the green light as Premier League bosses have finally approved the £300m Saudi deal.
 
Newcastle preparing for 'more injuries' as players return to training

Premier League clubs are preparing for "a lot more injuries" as players return to full training, says Newcastle club doctor Paul Catterson.

Players are back in full contact training with top-flight football set to return on 17 June.

"We are expecting more injuries at this time," Catterson told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"The players have been running on treadmills and working indoors for eight weeks so that transition is a different stimulus for the body."

He added: "There was an NFL lockout a few years ago and there was an increase in Achilles injuries so we are looking at that.

"We have had players asking if they can have ice baths after training and they can't at the moment - all we can do is give them ice to take home. It's like going back 15 years."

'Only as strong as our weakest link'

Catterson spoke at length about the measures in place at Newcastle - and all Premier League clubs - to prevent infection, ranging from the twice-weekly coronavirus tests to extensive cleaning and sanitising of equipment at the training ground.

He says the main priority was reassuring players that everything that can be done to make the environment safe is being done - but players have to remain vigilant.

"It is a weighty responsibility," he said. "It's a unique relationship with the players, it's not a normal doctor-patient relationship. You see them at breakfast, at 2am when you're waiting at airports, you get to know them.

"I am confident now that a Premier League training ground is one of the safest environments around.

"There is a big onus on the players, they have to conduct themselves professionally outside of this environment. We are only as strong as our weakest link.

"If anyone doesn't follow the guidance they put the group at risk. So far we have had no positive results and we can only do that if we stop the players from being complacent."

If any players test positive for coronavirus they face at least seven days in isolation, but Catterson says that training equipment will help them with any required contact tracing.

"We have to expect honesty from the players when it comes to who they have been with out of our environment," he said.

"But once they are in training our GPS units will show whether they have been within two metres of a player, for how long and which players. We are using science."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52881846
 
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says he will "fully consider" calls for Newcastle United's proposed takeover to be blocked.

Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has written to the league to oppose the deal.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is financing a £300m takeover.

Western intelligence agencies believe that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who heads the PIF, ordered Khashoggi's murder in 2018 - which he denies.

But in a letter seen by BBC Sport, Masters tells Cengiz's lawyer: "I assure you and your client that her representations are being fully considered in our process."

Cengiz's legal team say it is the first acknowledgment by the Premier League that her views are being taken into account in the takeover, which is being checked under its owners' and directors' test.

In the letter, Masters also writes to Rodney Dixon QC to say that although he "remains extremely sympathetic to your client's position" a requested meeting is "not possible, particularly in light of correspondence appearing in the media".

Checks under the league's owners' and directors' test have been going on for more than six weeks.

In a statement to BBC Sport, Cengiz said: "I'm cautiously optimistic the Premier League will make the right decision.

"I'm sure that if the Premier League follows its own rules and charter, especially the owners' and directors' test, it will block the sale of Newcastle United to Mohamed bin Salman and the Public Investment Fund he chairs.

"Until Bin Salman is held accountable for his role in Jamal's brutal murder, everyone must refrain from doing any business with him."

In addition to concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights record, broadcast piracy claims have also been raised in the media.

Broadcaster beoutQ has been illegally showing matches - mainly in Saudi Arabia - despite the rights in the region belonging to Qatar-based beIN Sports. Saudi broadcaster Arabsat has always denied that beoutQ uses its frequencies to show games illegally.

Dixon, on behalf of Cengiz, has previously written to Masters saying there should be no place in English football for anyone "involved in such abhorrent acts".

Cengiz has also written an open letter to Newcastle fans urging them to "unite to protect" the club from the proposed takeover, for which the PIF is set to provide 80% of funds.

The Newcastle United Supporters' Trust (NUST) has been sympathetic to Cengiz's story and says it understands concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights record. However, it says it has no influence on who takes over the club.

Last month, a NUST poll of 3,410 members found 96.7% were in favour of the new consortium to replace owner Mike Ashley, who has been in charge of Newcastle for 13 years.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/52940765
 
Newcastle's Saudi Arabian-led takeover could be complicated by the WTO ruling that the country helped breach international piracy laws.
 
Saudi state behind beoutQ piracy TV operation: WTO ruling

Saudi Arabia has actively promoted and supported the beoutQ pirate TV operation and has breached its obligations under international law to protect intellectual property rights, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled in a landmark verdict.

In its judgment, published on Tuesday, the WTO ruled that Saudi government officials and entities, including Saud Al-Qahtani, an aide to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS), publicly promoted beoutQ, including with governmental tweets.

Qatari sport network beIN Media Group, which holds exclusive rights to broadcast international tournaments to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and Europe, has long claimed beoutQ is stealing its signal and broadcasting it as its own.

BeoutQ began broadcasting after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Egypt severed all ties with Qatar and imposed a land, sea, and air blockade against it in June 2017. The four countries accused Qatar of "supporting terrorism" and meddling in neighbouring countries' affairs. Qatar rejected the allegations.

Shortly after the blockade was enforced, all beIN Sports channels were banned in the blockading nations and their equipment was confiscated in Saudi Arabia.

Damning insight
The WTO case, which was brought by Qatar, took a year and a half to conclude and offers a damning insight into Saudi Arabia's efforts to undermine Qatari intellectual property rights.

The findings include that the Saudi state actively promoted and supported beoutQ from the beginning and even sponsored multiple public gatherings with beoutQ screenings, including during the FIFA World Cup 2018 when the Saudi government announced "294 public display screenings allocated across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia broadcasting beoutQ; and - in addition - the Saudi State did not take any action whatsoever against beoutQ over the course of 3 years", the WTO ruling said.

The WTO also found that beoutQ was hosted on frequencies transmitted by satellite provider Arabsat, an entity with a Saudi CEO, majority-owned by the Saudi government, with its headquarters in Riyadh.

The hosting was facilitated by Saudi Television Company LLC, the WTO said, endorsing a 2019 French court decision that definitively ruled that Arabsat carried beoutQ.

Arabsat, according to the WTO ruling, has ignored hundreds of take-down notices from the Premier League, FIFA, UEFA, beIN, and other broadcasters.

Saudi authorities also obstructed the initiation of civil copyright infringement cases, including by pressuring nine Saudi law firms to refuse to take on such civil action by the Premier League and others, according to the verdict.

'Major victory'
Qatar welcomed the WTO ruling, describing it as a "resounding victory".

"Saudi Arabia, especially since it is hosting the upcoming G20, to respect this decisive ruling and end the theft and piracy of IP rights at once," said Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Qatar's minister of commerce and industry. "They can start by heeding the WTO's ruling and conducting a fair, timely, and transparent legal proceeding against the perpetrators in order to stop this abuse post-haste," he added.

David Sugden, legal counsel for beIN Media Group, also described the judgement as a "major victory" for intellectual property (IP) rights protection and the international rule of law.

"Fundamentally, sport relies on the protection of IP and international law and local law to protect its interests, and sadly for three years now every sports body's rights have been run roughshod over by Saudi Arabia and this judgment emphatically says that," he told Al Jazeera from London.

UEFA said it also welcomed the WTO's ruling and its conclusions. "What is clear is that beoutQ's broadcasts constitute piracy of UEFA's matches and as such, are illegal," it said in a statement, adding that the verdict"shows clearly that no-one involved in audio-visual piracy should consider themselves above the rule of law".

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said anyone committing acts of piracy is not based in the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia has a strong record of protecting intellectual property and is committed to applying its national law and procedures in full conformity with WTO rules," read a statement carried by its state news agency SPA.

Separate to the WTO case, beIN Media Group has brought an arbitration case against Saudi Arabia, seeking $1bn in damages accumulated since 2018 for a range of Saudi actions targeting beIN, including beoutQ.

Like with the WTO case, beIN was forced to bring costly and slow proceedings under international law in order to have its claims against Saudi Arabia heard, given the Saudi courts have been blocked by Saudi Arabia.

The beIN arbitration claim was filed on October 1, 2018, and a ruling is some time away, but another major ruling against Saudi Arabia is expected in the investment arbitration, much like the WTO verdict.

'National security'
Saudi Arabia had for years maintained that beoutQ was a rogue operation with no state involvement.

However, its defence in the WTO case cited protection of its "national security" as justification for its violations of intellectual property rights, an argument that was thrown out by the WTO.

The WTO permitted Saudi Arabia to invoke national security to the justify violation of two articles of the organisation's foundational agreement, saying Saudi Arabia only needed to demonstrate "a minimum requirement of plausibility" when showing a connection between its "security interests" and its violations of WTO law. However, the verdict continued that all the factual findings still stand despite this.

The WTO called on Saudi Arabia to stop its violation of valuable intellectual property rights.

The verdict comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to play an increasingly larger role in the world of sports and entertainment, including through investments in football clubs - all of which, the WTO pointed out, is predicated on the protection of intellectual property.

The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) has for months been trying to buy Premier League club Newcastle United. It is not yet clear how the WTO verdict will affect this bid.
https://www.aljazeera.com/ajimpact/...-tv-operation-wto-ruling-200616074321753.html
 
Newcastle United have announced that they will refund ticket holders for remaining games this season.
 
Newcastle United's proposed takeover by a Saudi Arabian-backed consortium has been delayed because of a lack of clarity over who would be in charge at the club, BBC Sport has learned.

Sixteen weeks after documents relating to a £300m takeover were registered with the Premier League, the deal is still being scrutinised under its owners' and directors' test.

But it is understood compliance requires greater certainty as to who would have ultimate responsibility at St James' Park.

The bid has been led by British financier Amanda Staveley, but Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth Public Investment Fund (PIF) is set to take an 80% stake.

PIF's chairman is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and it appears the Premier League's lawyers are struggling to establish the precise links between the consortium and the Saudi government.

This is crucial given the television rights piracy issues that have dogged the saga, with Saudi Arabia denying claims it facilitated the illegal streaming of sports events in the Middle East.

The Premier League, PIF and Magpies owner Mike Ashley have all declined to comment, but with only seven weeks until the new season starts, patience is starting to wear thin on all sides.

On Saturday, manager Steve Bruce spoke for Newcastle fans when he said: "We need a decision and we need one quickly."

What's the latest situation?
The potential takeover has been complicated by television piracy issues and alleged human right abuses.

Families of prisoners held in Saudi Arabia have told BBC Sport that they will "not stay silent" even if the deal goes through.

There is also keen interest in Newcastle from American businessman Henry Mauriss, who is willing to offer £350m for the club, who finished 13th in the Premier League standings.

BBC Sport has been told by a source that an exclusivity clause held between Ashley and the Saudi-backed consortium has come to an end.

That could offer an opportunity for Mauriss' camp to capitalise should the bid fall through.

So, in the meantime, it is all eyes back on Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and its board. It will make the call on whether the prospective owners have broken any laws and meet the required standards to protect the league's reputation and image.

Sources have said that although Bin Salman is the chair of PIF, he is not involved with its day-to-day running, so questions about Saudi Arabia's human rights record are not relevant to the bid.

What are the outstanding issues?
More than 97% of Newcastle United Supporters' Trust members are in favour of the takeover, and many fans have dismissed the manner in which the media has raised issues which could derail the Saudi bid.

Given their significance and complexity, however, those issues have been hard to ignore.

TV piracy in Saudi Arabia is a huge problem for the Premier League to contend with, especially as it has previously complained about it.

The World Trade Organization said there had been an infringement of intellectual property rights via the illegal beoutQ service, but in an apparent response to that ruling, Saudi Arabia then barred beIN Sports from operating.

Its service is the only legal way of watching Premier League football in the country. Saudi Arabia has always denied aiding the beoutQ operation and has insisted there is no link between its government and the alleged piracy.

There have also been appeals to the Premier League and fans about how Saudi Arabia disregards human rights, which Masters said would be "fully considered".

Why are Saudi families concerned by takeover?
Families of prisoners held in the kingdom have told BBC Sport that allowing a Saudi takeover would "legitimise" the regime that "commits horrendous crimes".

The takeover goes to the core of the sports-washing idea that many human rights organisations have raised. They say that if the Arab state is associated with the globally positive image of the Premier League, it would gloss over the abuses that occur in the country.

Lina al-Hathloul says her sister Loujain, a human rights activist, is one such example. Loujain campaigned for women's rights to drive; according to her sister, she has been in prison for two-and-a-half years and has been tortured, sexually harassed and held in solitary confinement for eight months.

The Saudi government says she and other activists were detained for conspiring with "hostile entities", while Bin Salman told CBS's 60 Minutes in 2019 that releasing her was not his decision to make. He added: "If this [torture] is correct, it is very heinous. The Saudi laws forbid torture."

But in an appeal to Newcastle fans, Lina said: "I want to tell them that their everyday life is very different from ours. My sister is in prison just because one of her demands was for women to drive.

"Saudi Arabia will be embarrassed if at every game they have protests. Whatever the decision is at the end, fans have leverage, they can ask for the detainees to be released."

Areej al-Sadhan, whose brother Abdulrahman is a humanitarian worker for Red Crescent and has been in prison for more than two years, said hundreds of families like theirs were affected.

She added: "We cannot stay silent about it. We are actually risking our own lives by speaking out about the situation.

"There are things money cannot buy and fans seriously need to look deeper at the Saudi practices in the kingdom."

Where does proposed takeover leave Bruce?
Bruce has previously said he would "love to be part" of the takeover, but his more immediate concerns will be related to the forthcoming season, which starts on 12 September.

He is set for a meeting on Wednesday with Ashley, where he can discuss if any funds are available for transfer targets. Bruce has said he hopes to get a few deals done, and will also hope that midfielder Matty Longstaff signs a new contract.

But most of all, he, like many fans, wants to know if the takeover will happen or not.

"It is a frustration," he said after losing to Liverpool on Sunday. "The club needs that clarity, all of us, so let's hope we can get that in the next few days or week or whatever it may be.

"If that's not going to happen, we need to know quickly so it can be business as usual."

As has been the case for almost four months, the answer lies with the Premier League.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53558392
 
Good whilst it lasted but its all over...


DUBAI (Reuters) - A consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has withdrawn its interest in acquiring Newcastle United football club, it said in a statement on Thursday.

The group, which includes PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers, said that the “prolonged process” and “global uncertainty” had “rendered the potential investment no longer commercially viable.”
 
Last edited:
(Reuters) - The proposed takeover of Premier League club Newcastle United by a Saudi Arabian-backed consortium has collapsed after the group announced they were ending their interest in the deal.

The group, which included Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers, was reported to have made a 300 million pounds bid to buy United from British businessman Mike Ashley.

“With a deep appreciation for the Newcastle community and the significance of its football club, we have come to the decision to withdraw our interest in acquiring Newcastle United Football Club,” the group said.

“We do so with regret, as we were excited and fully committed to invest in the great city of Newcastle and believe we could have returned the club to the position of its history, tradition and fans’ merit.

“Unfortunately, the prolonged process under the current circumstances coupled with global uncertainty has rendered the potential investment no longer commercially viable,” they added.

The Premier League’s board had been carrying out an examination of the proposed takeover as part of its “owners and directors test”, which evaluates the suitability of ownership groups.

However, the league’s CEO Richard Masters suggested last month that the proposed takeover had become complicated.

“Ultimately, during the unforeseeably prolonged process, the commercial agreement between the Investment Group and the club’s owners expired and our investment thesis could not be sustained,” the group added.

The investor group added that the situation had been complicated by a lack of clarity on the circumstances under which the next season would start and new norms that would arise for matches, training and other activities.

“As often occurs with proposed investments in uncertain periods, time itself became an enemy of the transaction, particularly during this difficult phase marked by the many real challenges facing us all from COVID-19,” the group said.

One of the issues raised by critics of the proposed deal was Saudi Arabia’s response to cases of unauthorised broadcasting of Premier League games in the country.

Last month, a World Trade Organization panel told Saudi Arabia it had breached global rules on intellectual property rights by failing to prosecute a pirate broadcaster of sports and movies in a dispute with Gulf neighbour Qatar regarding the BeoutQ channel, which broadcast Premier League games.

Human rights groups had also been critical of the proposed deal.

The collapse of the takeover leaves Ashley in continued control of Newcastle although British media reports have suggested there may be a rival bid from an American businessman, Henry Mauriss.

Mauriss has not responded to requests for comment from Reuters.

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-s...rest-in-newcastle-united-report-idUKKCN24V2PC
 
Newcastle United fans say they are "confused" and "heartbroken" following the collapse of the Saudi Arabian-backed takeover.

A consortium, led by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF), agreed a £300m deal to buy the club from Mike Ashley in April but has now pulled out.

Greg Tomlinson, from the Newcastle United Supporters' Trust, said "answers are needed from the Premier League".

Fellow supporter Michelle George said: "It's left fans devastated."

The deal was delayed after being scrutinised under the Premier League's owners' and directors' test.

And the consortium, which also included PCP Capital Partners and the Reuben Brothers, has pulled out because it is understood the PIF ran out of patience.

Magpies supporter George added: "As fans, we are heartbroken. It sounds dramatic but we have suffered for 13 years under Ashley through a lack of interest and investment in the club.

"So the fact it played out how it did and for the length of time it did and then for the news to break, and we still don't have the full picture."

Saudi Arabian-backed consortium pulls out of bid
Legal documents were handed over to the Premier League 16 weeks ago, but the bid has been dogged by claims regarding Saudi Arabia's human rights record and its handling of TV piracy.

The delay to the process came because the Premier League lawyers struggled to establish precise links between the consortium and the Saudi government.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is also the PIF's chairman.

Despite the ownership complications, a survey of Newcastle United Supporters' Trust members found that 97% of them were in favour of the takeover, with many wanting rid of Ashley.

"Everyone was excited about the bid and potential investment in the city, so it represents a missed opportunity for Newcastle and the north-east as a region," added Tomlinson.

"We're left confused about what has gone on here - it's been almost 17 weeks of noise.

"It's been made clear that football supporters are the least important part in a decision which affects supporters the most.

"We have been treated with contempt."

George, who is a solicitor, said the Premier League had to "shoulder some blame" for the deal falling through.

"The test didn't allow [Premier League chief executive] Richard Masters to take into account moral issues which he or the people around him thought were important," she said.

"I understand it was a confidential process but for it to carry on that long, they should at least tell us what the position was."

She added: "Everybody was thinking we could be the next Manchester City, although caveated by what's come to light now, that nothing really good happens with Newcastle."

As for the future, both Tomlinson and George are hopeful, so long as the future does not involve Ashley.

American businessman Henry Mauriss is understood to be keen to buy the club for £350m.

Tomlinson says he is "sceptical" about that deal, but added: "I now hope we can find somebody who is willing to buy the club and pass relevant tests and take us forward in a proper manner.

"There is no future for Newcastle United under the current owner."

George said: "Fans were done with Mike Ashley before this happened and looking ahead to the new season, it doesn't give you huge amount of motivation to spend £70 on a new shirt, or a look at transfer rumours because other clubs have already started to buy players, and we know we will be scraping the bottom of the barrel.

"There will still be things to talk about but everyone is going to wake up and feel a bit sad for a few days."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53601334
 
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is "100% committed" to the Saudi Arabian-backed takeover of the club, says managing director Lee Charnley.

On Thursday, the consortium aiming to buy the club for £300m said it was pulling out with "regret" after losing patience with delays.

The deal had been scrutinised under the Premier League's owners' and directors' test for almost four months.

But in a statement, Charnley seemed to suggest the deal could be resurrected.

He said: "We acknowledge the statement issued on Thursday. Never say never but, to be clear, Mike Ashley is 100% committed to this deal.

"However, our current focus must now be on supporting [manager] Steve Bruce in the transfer market and on the preparations for the new season."

Newcastle fans have said they are "confused" and "heartbroken" after the takeover broke down.

A consortium, which included Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and the Reuben Brothers, had agreed a deal to buy the club from Ashley in April.

But after the process was hampered by claims regarding Saudi Arabia's human rights record and its handling of TV piracy, the buyers said the delays had brought about a change of course.

In a statement, the consortium also said the hold-up meant "the commercial agreement between the investment group and the club's owners expired and our investment thesis could not be sustained".

British financier Amanda Staveley, who headed the consortium, said the decision to pull out was "awful" as there would have been investment in the Newcastle area.

"We are devastated for the fans," she added. "We really thank the fans - I personally thank them for all their support."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53611930
 
Sky Sports News has been told Mike Ashley remains in dialogue with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund and its partners over the potential takeover of #NUFC.
 
The Premier League has told Newcastle fans the door is still open for a potential takeover by the Saudi-backed consortium.
 
Debutants Callum Wilson and Jeff Hendrick both scored as Newcastle made a winning start to the 2020-21 Premier League season against an uninspiring West Ham.

Wilson, a £20m summer signing from Bournemouth, was a threat throughout as the Magpies won their opening game for the first time since 2012.

Steve Bruce's side were well worth their victory despite the Hammers twice hitting the crossbar.

Wilson prodded in Andy Carroll's flick-on to open the scoring, while Hendrick sealed victory with a late effort into the top left corner.

While Pablo Fornals and Angelo Ogbonna both hit crossbar for the hosts, too often their attacks lacked the cutting edge to trouble a resolute Newcastle defence.

And it ensured their miserable recent starts to Premier League campaigns continued, as they became the first club to lose their opening match for the fifth consecutive season.

Magpies debutants steal the show
Magpies manager Steve Bruce had said he was pleased to see owner Mike Ashley "flex his muscles" with the summer arrivals of Wilson and Jamal Lewis, plus free agents Ryan Fraser and Hendrick.

And even more pleasingly for Bruce, Wilson, Lewis and Hendrick all made an immediate impression for their new employers.

Wilson, who appears to thrive when facing the Hammers, was undoubtedly the pick of the bunch.

The 28-year-old's pace and movement caused problems well before he scored his eighth goal in nine outings against West Ham, twice going close from Lewis deliveries from the left and teeing up Jonjo Shelvey after a surging run from his own half.

He also appeared to benefit from the freedom and flicks that Andy Carroll's robust presence provided alongside him.

Newcastle had the fourth worst goal-scoring record in the top flight last term and Bruce will hope that combination can help to remedy that problem.

Wilson's goal was a result of his opportunism after Carroll had got across the near post to flick on Javier Manquillo's cross, and Hendrick's late right-foot shot put the seal on a fine night for Newcastle's new boys.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54038554.
 
Newcastle have instructed lawyers in their dispute with the Premier League over the attempted Saudi-led takeover of the club.
 
Newcastle United have confirmed they have launched legal proceedings against the Premier League following a failed takeover bid in the summer.

The club claim the Premier League broke a confidentiality clause when it "leaked the contents" of a letter about the proceedings to a supporter group.

A Saudi Arabian-backed consortium pulled out of a £300m deal in June.

They rejected the offer from the Premier League (EPL) of arbitration to determine who would own the club.

Newcastle say they have not previously commented on the proceedings "with respect to its conduct relating to the proposed takeover because of the confidentiality clause in the EPL's rules".

It relates to Newcastle Consortium Supporters Ltd (NCSL) delivering a letter to the Premier League, "questioning the body's conduct in the owners' and directors' test".

The supporters' club says it then received a response from the Premier League's lawyers, Bird and Bird, confirming there was already a legal dispute from the club.

NCSL told the Shields Gazette: "Bird & Bird has confirmed that the club is currently in a legal dispute with the EPL regarding the proposed acquisition, which may lead to a duplication of the issues raised by the fans consortium. The EPL has said it would therefore be premature for us to bring our claim now."

The club said in a public statement that it was aware of public reports which allegedly state "that the EPL referred to legal proceedings with the club".

It added: "The source of some of the reporting is said to be the EPL. It appears, therefore, that the EPL has leaked the contents of their letter to some of those commenting in the public domain.

"The club understands that these will be matters of great concern to its fans and therefore considers that, in light of the information disclosed by the EPL, it has no choice but to respond and update its fans in response to this coverage."

The club added it would not comment on the substance of the proceedings, but "can confirm that it has issued arbitration proceedings against the EPL".

The Premier League told the BBC that it would not be commenting on the story.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55006611
 
Newcastle: Five coronavirus cases at Premier League club after two more test positive

Newcastle United have returned two more positive Covid-19 tests over the weekend, taking the total number in the last week at the club to five.

Steve Bruce revealed on Friday that three employees at the club were self-isolating after they missed the 2-0 win at Crystal Palace.

Now two more individuals who have access to the training ground have joined the group who are isolating at home as the club try to keep the outbreak to a minimum.

The club are adjusting protocols as they prepare for their visit to Aston Villa on Friday night, live on Sky Sports.

The squad have had the weekend off and are due to return to training as scheduled on Monday.

"It has been a tough week," Bruce said on Friday, before he was asked about avoiding an increase in the outbreak. "We sincerely hope so. It is very difficult at the minute.

"It is a concern and difficult to manage. We are trying our utmost to make sure we try and stay as safe as we can.

"Of course my concern is not just the welfare of the players, which is vitally important, but my members of staff too. We will do our best but it is difficult at the moment."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...mier-league-club-after-two-more-test-positive
 
Newcastle United's squad have been told to stay away from their training ground following an outbreak of coronavirus.
 
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce will be without a "big chunk" of his squad for Saturday's game with West Brom because of the club's coronavirus outbreak.

The Magpies' match against Aston Villa on 4 December was postponed because of a rise in cases, and their training ground was shut down for over a week.

Bruce would not reveal how many players had the virus, but said it was a "significant number" of people.

He also mentioned two staff who are "really poorly".

Bruce explained: “It’s been a very difficult week, but we are far better than where we were last Monday.

“Since then, we’ve opened the training ground, everyone has tested twice and been negative so we are back to normal for the last two or three days and we have enough to pick an XI to hopefully win us the match.”

Regarding positive tests, Bruce said there were “four one day, and then another five”, he also revealed that “one or two” players had been “severely fatigued”.

That led to a "big doubt" about whether Saturday's game at St James’ Park would go ahead, but since numbers had improved, the players had “bounced” into training on Wednesday.

He also said two or three players had returned to the squad having recovered from the virus but some were still self-isolating at home.

Bruce said he felt like a "doctor" and a "politician" rather than a football manager, but wanted to respect players’ and staff's privacy.

“None of us have seen each other since Crystal Palace [on 27 November] so we have been away from the training ground for 10 days which was not ideal, but that was the best way forward,” he said.

“Hopefully we have curtailed it, it looks that way with the two negative tests last Monday and Wednesday, and it puts us in a position to play the game.

“You'll have to wait until tomorrow [to find out who is missing], we have far more than what we thought last Monday, two or three people have come back into the squad who had it and it’s left them. We didn't think they would come back so quickly.

“I have to respect players and staff and their wishes too. Sometimes, we want to remain a little bit confidential and respect privacy. It was a significant number of people, we will be without a big chunk of players that’s for sure, but from Monday we will have a couple back.”

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55274552
 
It’s a bit of a farce really ...

We (Villa) agreed to move the fixture because we hope the same consideration would be given to us if we experience this ...

Problem is though when are these missed fixtures going to be played?...

Later tonight Leeds and West Ham will be on 12 games played...we are still going to be on 9...
 
Miguel Almiron's goal after 19.98 seconds is Newcastle United's second fastest in Premier League history, after Alan Shearer scored in 10.52 seconds against Man City in January 2003.
 
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce said two of his players are "not well at all" after contracting coronavirus.

An outbreak forced the club's training ground to close for a week, while a game at Aston Villa was postponed.

Bruce has not named those who are still suffering, or how many tested positive.

"If you ever underestimated this thing then don't, because you're talking about elite professionals here and the way it got a hold of everybody was quite scary stuff," said Bruce.

"For everybody out there, for goodness' sake, stay safe. I know it's Christmas but after what we've just witnessed then you've got to be careful."

Bruce said that midfielder Isaac Hayden, 25, played in Saturday's win over West Brom after recovering from coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Argentine defender Federico Fernandez, 31, revealed on Instagram on Sunday that he had recovered from the virus and he now could play against Leeds on Wednesday.

"He's tested negative and I can say that because he himself revealed that he's had the virus," said Bruce. "But he's OK now.

"[Players and staff have] had three negative tests in the past six days so it does look as if we've overcome it. But we've got two players in particular who are not well at all, and two members of staff who are still poorly.

"We're relieved that nobody else has got it but we're also concerned about the members of staff and two players who it's having a bad effect on."
 
I have to say Newcastle are one of the worst teams to watch in the EPL.

Bruce is no negative as a manager. No flair, no attacking instincts, just a rigid formation.

I would hate to have to watch this team every week.
 
Another dismal result - 2-0 loss to Arsenal in the FA Cup.

This team are terrible to watch with the ultra defensive Bruce in charge.
 
Alan Shearer slams Mike Ashley as Rafa Benitez Newcastle claim made in Steve Bruce defence

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has come in for criticism amid the team's current problems but Alan Shearer insists the issues are bigger than the manager alone.

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has penned a lengthy column scrutinising the current problems engulfing the club - admitting the current predicament "hurts the eyes, hurts the heart and hurts the soul". The Premier League's top goalscorer of all time has laid into the club's hierarchy and in particular owner Mike Ashley, insisting under-fire manager Steve Bruce has a tough task given those who have the ultimate power above him.

Many Newcastle fans are eager for owner Ashley to axe Bruce with the Magpies having served up some woeful recent performances which have resulted in an eight-match winless streak across all competitions, culminating in FA Cup and Carabao Cup exits.

The latest low came with their Premier League defeat to Sheffield United in midweek with the Blades having failed to win any of their previous 20 top-flight matches before then, also keeping a first clean sheet since July 11 with their 1-0 win.

But Shearer insists that while the football is turgid, any other manager following Benitez into St James' Park would be facing the same difficulties as Bruce is currently battling in the north east.

Spanish coach Benitez left Newcastle in the summer of 2019 after failing to agree a new contract with the club and was beloved by supporters, who were furious he was allowed to leave so easily.

And Shearer, Newcastle's greatest ever player, wrote in a longread column for The Athletic that as long as Ashley remains at the top, any manager will struggle to replicate Benitez's success in the job, even if Bruce is replaced.

Shearer said: "The head coach - yes, head coach, not manager - is a friend of mine and the same goes for Steve Harper, the first-team coach.

"I know the human beings behind the titles and so I know how much they care, how desperate they are to do well, how much they and their families feel it, too.

"To repeat: Newcastle are a difficult club, largely because of their difficult owner, and if this difficult column has a point, it is to explain that difficulty and put it into context. Like I said, it hurts.

"There have been too many bad decisions to go into, but it explains why there was so much excitement about a takeover last year, about the prospect of something, anything, different.

"Hope will not return - not in any meaningful way - until there's a change at the top of the club, whose stadium and training ground is beginning to look tatty and old.

"And because that change did not happen, this season has felt like the worst of hangovers, when everybody is tired and irritable.

"The football, by and large, has followed suit. Newcastle are not a good watch, to put it mildly. They haven't been for a long while. And so they haven't changed the mood or the story.

"Given everything he had to deal with, with the circumstances he walked into - a feeling of depression, a lack of goals, the lack of a striker - Steve deserved credit last season, particularly in terms of where they finished, but it is not a team which provides uplift.

"There should be some mitigation this time, as well - COVID-19, the number of games, the lack of pre-season - and what really irks me is how little protection Steve has received from the people above him. Where is Lee Charnley (the managing director)?

"What happened to that statement of his where he admitted the error of not communicating with fans? Where is his backing for the manager? Where is the strategy? Come on, Lee, where are you? Where is anyone, aside from Steve?

"I suppose I should clarify this isn’t something I've spoken to Steve about and I wouldn't want to. When we have conversations now it's not about formations or results, it's 'How's things, what are you up to?'

But I can't believe he's having to deal with questions about furloughing staff, giving tickets away, about coronavirus, about a takeover. These shouldn't be issues for the manager. It's a tough and lonely enough job as it is. The point is, he's on his own.

"And this was why I said at the time that I wish Steve hadn’t replaced Rafa Benitez, that I had grave reservations about what might happen down the road. The road leads here.

"It would have been the same if somebody else had come in and it will be the same for the next manager and the one after that if nothing else changes, because it’s the way Newcastle are built under Ashley. The manager takes it all on his shoulders; a concentration of anger, stretching back years.

"The fact that Rafa left for the reasons he did, tells you what a difficult club it is, but Steve wanted to manage Newcastle and I respected that and left him to it. I can certainly understand it."

While Shearer labelled also laid blame at the feet of blame of the players for the loss to Sheffield United, insisting: "What I see – and what I feel – is an emptiness, a club that simply exists. What I saw against Sheffield United the other night was barely even that

"Did anybody check for a pulse? Facing a team that are rock bottom of the Premier League, that had failed to win all season, Newcastle were bloody awful.

"There’s no getting away from it - that first half was as bad as it gets, compounded when Ryan Fraser was sent off for two pathetic yellow cards, two nonsense tackles. The players have to take some responsibility, but there are no excuses."

And the former striker and captain, who scored 206 goals in 405 appearances at Newcastle, added: "You have to accept the criticism coming your way and Steve has been in the game long enough to understand that.

"This is not the Newcastle United we all want and this is not the Newcastle United we should accept and that’s why there’s so much disappointment and disquiet and hurt.

"That's why the manager always becomes the focal point. It's a club which has no real relationship with its supporters. It’s a club that’s creaking, that's existing and very little else. It needs hope again. It needs love."

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/foo...shley-Rafa-Benitez-Steve-Bruce-Premier-League
 
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Sack Steve Bruce and get Rafa Benitez in before it's too late.
 
Another loss. This time at home to Leeds Utd 2-1.

I can't see how Steve Bruce can keep his job.
 
Steve Bruce insisted having a full fit and healthy Newcastle side was a big reason behind their improved performance in the 2-0 win over Everton.
 
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson has been ruled out for six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury.
 
Another defeat tonight. Another terrible performance.

Only 2 points ahead of 3rd bottom Fulham.
 
Great news for Newcastle as they go 9 points clear of the relegation zone after defeating West Ham 3-2
 
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11678/12398500/newcastle-hit-back-at-fan-anger-over-lack-of-summer-transfers-we-spend-what-we-have

Newcastle have hit back at criticism from fans over a summer of transfer dealings which saw just Joe Willock brought to the club as a senior player.

The Magpies signed Willock from Arsenal on a permanent deal worth £25m, following the midfielder's successful loan spell under Steve Bruce during the second half of last season.

But the lack of further major arrivals was a source of frustration for Newcastle fans who have questioned the club's ambitions going into the new season. In a statement to supporters Newcastle defended their "spend what we have" policy and pointed out that they broke a long-standing rule of paying transfer fees up front in order to sign Willock.

"Our commitment to being run in a sustainable manner, which secures the financial viability of the club, is a longstanding one," the statement read. "This does not come at the expense of being ambitious, and it is built on the core principle that we will spend what we have."

"The last two years have been challenging, with Covid-19 having a considerable impact on the club's finances and therefore the amount of cash we have available to spend. Internally, all parties have long been aware of the budgetary parameters under which we are operating."

"Ahead of the summer transfer window and having made a significant impact after arriving on loan in January 2021, Joe Willock was identified as the club's primary target. The deal to bring Joe Willock to the club was formally completed on Friday 13th August 2021 and we are beyond delighted to have secured him."

"Our preference to pay transfer fees up front, rather than spreading payments over several years, is well documented."

"We believe this approach to be in the club's long-term interests, giving the club far greater certainty and control over its spending in future windows and seasons."

"In negotiating/securing this deal post Covid-19, we acknowledged the need to make an exception and, on this occasion, have spread the transfer fee over instalments."

"We did so this summer to secure a player who we know makes us stronger and who our head coach was unequivocal in his desire to sign."

Newcastle have one point after their opening three Premier League games having drawn 2-2 with Southampton at St James' Park last weekend.
Click to expand...
 
Newcastle takeover potentially moves step closer after piracy dispute ends

The Saudi Arabian-backed takeover of Newcastle United has potentially moved a step closer after the country resolved its TV piracy dispute with Qatar broadcaster beIN Sports.

The kingdom is set to lift its four-and-a-half year ban on showing beIN Sports and will cease to show Premier League and other football matches via beoutQ.

The issue has been part of a dispute between Newcastle and the Premier League over a £300m takeover which collapsed in the summer of 2020.

That centred on whether the Saudi owners would pass the league's owners' and directors' test, which measures the suitability of owners at a club.

It is believed that arbitration set for 3 January would centre on whether the Saudi state would effectively sit on the Newcastle board - and therefore be tested on alleged human rights abuses.

But an end to TV piracy complaints, which would break Premier League rules, removes a significant hurdle.

Analysis
Dan Roan, BBC sports editor

Last year the Premier League was urged by beIN Sport - one of its largest overseas broadcast partners - to "fully interrogate" Newcastle United's proposed £300m takeover by a Saudi-backed consortium because of alleged piracy of its TV rights.

The Saudi government always denied wrongdoing, but this apparent ending of the dispute with the Qatar TV giant appears to resolve a major obstacle to the hugely controversial deal for the club from happening.

But other issues remain.

There is still significant concern over Saudi Arabia's human-rights record.

And then there's the question of who would actually run Newcastle Utd if the deal was approved.

Ultimately, the Premier League failed to give the takeover the green light after its lawyers could not clarify the links between sovereign wealth fund PIF (which would have owned most of Newcastle United) and the Saudi state.

The Premier League was concerned that individuals not on the club's new board would have had influence over decision-making at St James' Park - not least because the Saudi Crown Prince is also the chairman of PIF.

Sources close to the consortium said they tried to prove to the Premier League that the Saudi government would have no say in the day-to-day running of the club, and it appears they will still need to do so for a deal to be salvaged.

Presentational grey line
Premier League 'abused position' in Newcastle takeover, tribunal hears
Newcastle takeover collapsed after bidders rejected Premier League arbitration offer
The issue of TV privacy breaches was the subject of a World Trade Organisation report in June 2020, which said Saudi Arabia helped break international piracy laws.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters also said in a letter in August 2020 that intellectual property rights were "critically important to the league's commercial interests".

BeIN Sports' link to the takeover was raised in Newcastle's Competition Appeal Tribunal last week where it was alleged by lawyers that the Qatari broadcaster had "improperly influenced" the Premier League into blocking the takeover based on its deal to show matches.

The claims came from Daniel Jowell QC, who was acting on behalf of St James Holdings, which wholly own shares for Newcastle and is also owned by club boss Mike Ashley.

A decision on that hearing is yet to be announced.

BeIN Sports is currently in the middle of a £400m deal to show Premier League games in the Middle East and North Africa region over three years.

The Premier League has declined to comment.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/58821131
 
Saudis are continuning to push hard.

I think the take over will take place.

The English league cannot be hypocrites, demand human rights in Saudi, when its the regime they installed as rulers 100 years ago & the regime they support with military and other deals.
 
KingKhanWC said:
Saudis are continuning to push hard.

I think the take over will take place.

The English league cannot be hypocrites, demand human rights in Saudi, when its the regime they installed as rulers 100 years ago & the regime they support with military and other deals.
Click to expand...

You think the Premiership installed the House of Saud a century ago, and now sells them Challenger tanks and Typhoon jets.
 
Newcastle takeover: All parties hopeful Saudi-led consortium's deal can be announced on Thursday

Saudi-led consortium, Premier League and Newcastle hopeful takeover can be announced on Thursday; deal looked to be off when consortium pulled out last year; however, significant barrier removed when Saudi state resolved issue with beIN Sports over illegal streaming of Premier League

All parties are hopeful an announcement can be made today confirming the takeover of Newcastle United.

Sky Sports News has been told the Saudi-led consortium, the Premier League and Newcastle are working hard to get the deal completed and announced as soon as possible.

There was hope and speculation it was going to be announced on Wednesday night but certain details still needed to be agreed.

There is now hope the 18-month saga surrounding Newcastle's ownership is close to being over.

The takeover will involve Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) taking a controlling 80-per-cent stake and will bring to an end Mike Ashley's controversial 14-year ownership of the club.

The Saudi-led consortium previously withdrew from the deal in July 2020 after the Premier League identified the Saudi stake as a director with control over the club, which would have made it subject to the league's owners' and directors' test as part of the takeover process.

However, the Saudi state removed a significant barrier to the takeover when it resolved its issues with beIN Sports over the illegal streaming of Premier League football on Wednesday.

The Qatari network beIN has been unable to broadcast in Saudi Arabia for the last four-and-a-half years as part of a diplomatic dispute, but the ban is now set to come to an end.

The station had been opposed to the Newcastle takeover, saying the ban and piracy of its content was damaging sports rights holders.

"The major development this morning is that it could be announced later on today.

"All parties - Newcastle, the Premier League and the consortium themselves - are working around the clock to push this takeover through in time for them to have the keys for St James' Park for the next game against Spurs, after the international break.

True Faith podcast's Alex Hurst says the potential takeover of Newcastle would be a fantastic and exciting opportunity for the city
"The deal is edging closer - some big movement overnight - and the announcement of a £300m takeover by a Saudi-backed consortium could be announced later on today.

"It's the news all Newcastle fans want to hear. The supporters have been desperate for a change for some time. Some were here last night, beeping their horns, trying to get a flavour of what was happening. Were they allowed to dream?

"It's the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Saudi Arabia having an 80-per-cent stake in Newcastle.

"It's big money, they have a lot of money to spend, though obviously, they're going to be guided by FFP (Financial Fair Play rules).

"The information we were told all along since they came to the table a few years ago was that they were going to do this gradually. They're not going to throw money at it straight away, they wanted to invest gradually.

"There's a lot that needs improving at this football club - the infrastructure, the stadium, the academy.

"I think the infrastructure will be their priority - the other priority of course is keeping Newcastle in the Premier League so I do expect them to spend money in the January transfer window. There will be a decision to make about the manager as well."

'I haven't dreamt in 14 years'
Former Newcastle defender Warren Barton says he knows people who have been reduced to tears by Mike Ashley's ownership, as the businessman's time at St James' Park looks to be drawing to a close.

"The excitement, the relief and the pride can all be sensed in the fans thinking they're going to get their club back. It's been a long, long time since they felt the club cared for them as much as they care for the club," Barton told Sky Sports News.

"I've been on social media reaching out to people and I've had people crying saying all they've known is the time of Mike Ashley.

Former Newcastle player Warren Barton explains what the proposed takeover would mean to the club's fans
"All this fan base and city have always wanted is respect that it deserves and they haven't had that.

"There's so much hope so everybody's keeping their fingers crossed that it goes through because the fans and the city deserve it."

Barton says he has not "dreamt for 14 years" because of Ashley's ownership of Newcastle, but says supporters will need to be patient with the new owners should they succeed with their takeover.

"I don't think [big signings] will happen in January," he said. "They're not just going to throw money around like confetti but when you talk about the money that can be invested behind the scenes to generate a better training facility for the players and a better environment for the fans, so there's other things rather than the quality on the field.

"I think there's some good players in the team but obviously you'd like to add and I do think they'll be a big turnaround at the end of the season.

"In the summer, refocus on what you need, look around at the scouting system, who's your personnel and who's the manager going to be?

"But it's wonderful to dream because I haven't dreamt for 14 years."

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11678/12427926/newcastle-takeover-all-parties-hopeful-saudi-led-consortiums-deal-can-be-announced-on-thursday
 
Deal done

This is massive , massive for the North East in putting it on the world stage in football terms.

Newcastle will have serious money behind them now .
 
Newcastle's takeover by new Saudi owners has been approved, the Premier League has announced.

In a statement, the football league said: "The Premier League, Newcastle United Football Club and St James Holdings Limited have today settled the dispute over the takeover of the club by the consortium of PIF, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media. Following the completion of the Premier League's Owners' and Directors' Test, the club has been sold to the consortium with immediate effect.

"The legal disputes concerned which entities would own and/or have the ability to control the club following the takeover. All parties have agreed the settlement is necessary to end the long uncertainty for fans over the club's ownership. The Premier League has now received legally binding assurances that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not control Newcastle United Football Club.

"All parties are pleased to have concluded this process which gives certainty and clarity to Newcastle United Football Club and their fans."
 
If you see #cans trending on social media in the next 48 hours, it is Newcastle United fans who will be responsible.

The hashtag is a reflection of their joy, and getting the beer cans in, as a £300m Saudi Arabian-backed takeover bid has finally reached a conclusion.

The fact it has now happened after 18 months is a complete shock, too. Last week supporters were celebrating when they learned of a January arbitration date.

Now one of the most complicated takeovers in the league's history is over, fans can dream of a brighter future. It will be a future without owner Mike Ashley and one in which the club can compete with Europe's biggest teams thanks to the billions the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) can provide.

There are many issues still to resolve, however. How will Saudi Arabia's human rights record reflect on the club? Will the Premier League explain how it came to a resolution with the consortium? How much money will Newcastle have to spend? And what of manager Steve Bruce?

For a fanbase and club which has lurched from one drama to another in the past two years, at least there is now a blank page.

How did the takeover happen?

No-one was expecting the takeover to be completed this week.

The best anyone could have hoped for was January 2022, when arbitration between the consortium, led by financier Amanda Staveley, was scheduled in an attempt to settle a row with the Premier League about who would have control at the club.

The Saudi state has been accused of human rights abuses and was recently embroiled in a copyright row, which would have made it tricky for the takeover to go through based on the Premier League's owners' and directors' test.

So what the consortium needed to do was prove that the Kingdom's PIF, which would provide 80% of the money for the takeover, was separate to the state. Difficult, perhaps, when the ruling leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is also listed as PIF's chair.

Newcastle's 14 years of lost hope under Ashley
But with legal assurances provided, that has happened. It is understood there will be consequences if those agreements are broken. The consortium can also demonstrate how PIF already invests in companies, including the McLaren F1 team, without state control.

The precursor to news of the takeover going through on Wednesday was Qatar broadcaster beIN Sports saying it had resolved its dispute about Premier League football matches being broadcast illegally in Saudi Arabia.

By proving there is separation between the Saudi state and PIF that issue becomes immaterial. But after claims that beIN had pressured the Premier League into blocking the takeover, the timing was interesting nonetheless.

How have fans reacted?

Newcastle have had an average attendance of 48,366 at their three Premier League games this season
There is no doubt the vast majority of fans are celebrating the Saudi Arabian-led takeover, no matter the potential distractions that come with it.

A Newcastle United Supporters' Trust (NUST) survey said this week that 93.8% of its members were in favour, down from 97% last year, and owner Ashley is told to "get out of our club" at nearly every match.

The situation has become toxic this season. Newcastle are winless, second bottom in the Premier League and the same fans' survey said 94% want Bruce to leave "in the best interests of the club".

The takeover, they hope, will wash away their pain. PIF's assets of £250bn dwarfs the wealth of Manchester City's Abu Dhabi owners and Paris St-Germain's Qatari owners, and can conjure up images of signing the likes of French World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe or recruiting Antonio Conte as a replacement for Bruce.

"Fans are absolutely delighted that the disastrous 14-year reign of Ashley is almost over," says Greg Tomlinson of NUST. "They are looking forward to having hope and belief in their football club for the first time in many years.

"We don't demand that the club is winning trophies next season. We just want growth and a football club that gets better. Fans have been beaten into the ground."

How will Newcastle manage human rights concerns?

Despite the Premier League's insistence that PIF is separate from the Saudi state, human rights organisations and campaigners still believe the connection is clear.

Amnesty International has urged the Premier League to change its owners' and directors' test "to address human rights issues".

Its UK chief executive Sacha Deshmukh said: "Ever since this deal was first talked about we said it represented a clear attempt by the Saudi authorities to sportswash their appalling human rights record with the glamour of top-flight football.

"Saudi ownership of St James' Park was always as much about image management for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his government as it was about football."

Other campaigners have told the BBC that the issue will not go away, even though the takeover is complete.

Lina al-Hathloul, whose sister Loujain was held in prison for protesting about women's right to drive, says protests could occur at St James' Park, which would "embarrass" Saudi Arabia.

Tomlinson says: "Clubs are bought and sold at the highest level by billionaires and sovereign states, and we have not had a say in that. But as a supporters' organisation we will always support inclusion and be against discrimination and abuse of human rights.

"We will use our influence to effect change where we can."

Managing the public relations of a Saudi Arabian-backed takeover will be a key item in the consortium's in-tray, and will likely continue long after the deal is completed.

But the country has already shown its capacity to handle those issues when hosting fights for British heavyweight Anthony Joshua, the Spanish Super Cup and an F1 grand prix set for 2023.


What vision do the new owners have?
Backed by the wealth of PIF, the consortium is also made up of Staveley's PCP Capital Partners and British property investors the Reuben Brothers, who are also billionaires, so there is no shortage of money.

Staveley, who is from Yorkshire, has spoken in the past of her admiration for Manchester City, having been involved in the Abu Dhabi takeover 13 years ago. But she has also previously urged caution about lavish spending, preferring to highlight how City's owners have invested in the city of Manchester.

So there is hope from locals that the Newcastle owners follow a similar template.

From a club perspective, one of the first items on the 48-year-old's agenda will be overhauling the structure of the club and improving its communications with supporters.

Ashley is rarely heard from, and any communication from senior figures often comes in the form of statements from managing director Lee Charnley, who is Bruce's go-to man when it comes to transfers.

But there is no chief executive tasked with running the club, there is no director of football and Bruce is the public figure who has to face weekly questions about everything from legal cases to lack of funds for players, which led to huge frustration in the summer.

What now for Bruce?

Bruce, a Newcastle fan himself, says he "only wants what's best for the club, and if that means a takeover, then great".

But with the new owners seeking to establish a bond with supporters, the 60-year-old's position will be under serious threat. Without any ability to sign players until January, a new big-name manager would signify their intent.

Staveley praised former Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez when she first made her move for the club in 2018. But the Spaniard has made a fine start with Everton this season. Other fans have said they would like former Juventus, Italy and Chelsea manager Conte, who is available.

Other managers on the market include former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard and former Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder. Current coach Graeme Jones could also work as an interim replacement.

After a poor start to the Premier League season, the most important objective will be maintaining the club's top-flight status.

But for a lot of fans the future suddenly looks brighter.

BBC
 
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce fears he will be sacked after takeover

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce fears he will be sacked following the completion of the Saudi Arabian-backed £305m takeover of the Premier League side.

The sale went through on Thursday after the deal passed the Premier League owners' and directors' test, ending Mike Ashley's 14-year spell as owner.

Bruce was appointed Newcastle boss in July 2019 but has struggled to win over supporters.

"I want to continue," Bruce said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph.

"I'd like the chance to show the new owners what I can do, but you have to be realistic and they may well want a new manager to launch things for them.

"New owners normally want a new manager. I've been around long enough to understand that."

Newcastle finished 13th in Bruce's first season in charge but flirted with relegation last term before an improved end to the campaign saw them finish 12th.

They have started this season poorly and currently sit 19th without a win after seven games.

The Magpies play Tottenham at St James' Park a week on Sunday, in what would be Bruce's 1,000th game as a manager, although he is unsure if he will reach that milestone at Newcastle.

"That decision is not up to me," he added. "I accept that and I will accept what comes my way. I have to wait to have those conversations with people when the time is right.

"If I don't make it to a 1,000 games against Spurs, you might say that could only happen to me, but I don't think it would be cruel. It's just football."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58838412
 
Newcastle's new owners are aiming to make the club as big as Manchester City and Paris St-Germain, who also have owners from the Middle East. (Times)

Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard and Rangers manager Steven Gerrard are in the frame to replace Newcastle boss Steve Bruce, who says he expects to lose his job. (Telegraph)
 
So the House of Saud is now in the Premier League football business. I would envisage Newcastle being their test club, and if it goes well then they will make further acquisitions in the next 5-10 years.
 
James said:
So the House of Saud is now in the Premier League football business. I would envisage Newcastle being their test club, and if it goes well then they will make further acquisitions in the next 5-10 years.
Click to expand...

Never mind the sport wash by authoritarian regimes, though that’s bad enough.

It’s truly disturbing how oligarchs are becoming more and more powerful. Did you see a show called Altered Carbon [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION]? Posits a future where the ordinary folk live under permanent cloud and rain due to climate change in a crime infested hell, while the hyper-rich live in stratospheric towers and are immortal through technology and untouchable by law.

It’s all coming true.
 
Amanda Staveley has told Sky Sports News the long-term ambition for Newcastle United is to top the Premier League after the club's takeover was completed on Thursday.

"Newcastle United deserves to be top of the Premier League. We want to get there. It will take time, but we will get there," Staveley, the chief executive of PCP Capital Partners who is now a director on the Newcastle board, told Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie.

"We're proud to be part of the Premier League. It's an incredibly competitive league, which we love. Premier League football is the best in the world, and Newcastle United is the best team in the world.

"We want to see it get those trophies, obviously. At top of the Premier League, in Europe, but to get trophies means patience, investment, time. We want everybody to work with us to build the club towards what it needs to be."

PCP Capital Partners are part of the investment group, which is led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and also comprises of RB Sports & Media, that ended Mike Ashley's 14-year ownership of Newcastle.

Staveley said the new owners "want to invest at every level", and though Steve Bruce is expected to be replaced, she would not be drawn on the head coach's future or plans for new players.

Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of PIF, will serve as non-executive chairman of Newcastle United. Amanda Staveley, chief executive of PCP Capital Partners, will have one seat on the board, while Jamie Reuben will also be a director of the club, representing RB Sports & Media.

"We've got a great squad," Staveley added. "I had a great chat with Jamaal [Lascelles] tonight as captain. We're really excited about strengthening the squad, but we have to work within Financial Fair Play and make sure this is done over a longer term.

"But you can know and be reassured that we want to invest at every level. We want to get the best squad we possibly can.

"Everybody talks about it [big-name players], but what you need is a team that works well together. That's also just as important."

Asked if she had the chance to speak with Bruce, she said: "I did speak to the manager and say hello and introduce ourselves. We look forward to speaking to him over the next few days. There's an international break so I think everybody is just relieved to have some rest before the Tottenham game."

Asked about Bruce's future, she said: "We're very supportive of Steve and we've spoken to him. What we're going to do is not talk about managers or what big signings we can make. We're going to do a review right through the football operations, of the commercial side as well, and come back and make some decisions."

Pushed further on whether Bruce would be in charge against Tottenham on October 17, live on Sky Sports, she added: "I'm not even able to talk about anything as to players or managers at this stage."

Bruce has told Sky Sports News he is fully aware that the new owners could seek a new head coach.

"I'm happy for the club that this has gone through. It's a great night for the fans, I'm delighted for them," Bruce told Sky Sports News.

"I want to continue (as manager) but I have to be realistic. I'm not stupid and aware what could happen with new owners.

"I don't have any plans to speak to Amanda that I'm aware of."

Bruce is due to take charge of his 1,000th match against Spurs a week on Sunday on Sky Sports.

He added: "If I don't make 1,000 games against Spurs - you might say that can only happen to me. It's not cruel, it's just football."

Staveley confirmed she will be based in the north east, and said the group will take their role as new owners "very seriously", four years on from the game which first piqued her interest.

"We've certainly taken time to get here," Staveley said. "The first game I came to was Newcastle-Liverpool. It took me half-an-hour and I was in love with the city, with the club, with their amazing fans. Today has just been extraordinary."

She added: "We'd like to thank the incredible fans. We wouldn't be here without them today, it's their club. We want to be great custodians of this club. We take our role very seriously. We don't want to overpromise, because I've seen a lot of people come into clubs and say 'We'll do this', but genuinely we want to really invest in every area of this club at every level.

"We know it's at the heart of the community, you can feel that. It's so touching for me as well, to finally be able to talk about this openly.

"The last 48 hours has been exhausting. I'd like to thank the Premier League as well, and to Mike [Ashley] for us all getting there."

Newcastle are currently 19th in the Premier League table, and Staveley admitted that while their position is a concern, she believes the squad are capable of climbing out of the relegation zone.

She said: "Relegation is a real big issue at the moment, and we're going to have to work hard. Performance could do with some improvement, but we've got a great squad and this squad should not be at 19th position. It really shouldn't. But with a fair wind and some hard work we'll get there.

"I think it also shows the commitment of PIF and Jamie Reuben. What I can say, as PCP, I have brave and patient investors alongside me. They would have to be to take on this challenge. They know how important this club is to its community. We appreciate where we are in the league and we know relegation is a real issue."
 
Alan Shearer says the Saudi Arabian-backed £305m takeover of Newcastle is a "special day" for the club's long-suffering supporters.

The Magpies have struggled to challenge near the top of the Premier League since 2004, apart from a fifth-place finish in 2011-12.

The takeover ends Mike Ashley's 14-year spell as Newcastle owner in which time they have twice been relegated.

"All we've done is tick along and survive for 14 years," Shearer said.

"We've had no real ambition, we've survived, cup competitions have been non-existent and this city and this football club and our fans deserve better.

"The fans are loyal, they love their football club and their life is Newcastle United. It all depends on whether Newcastle win on a Saturday. They work hard all week to spend their money on the club, so I understand why there is so much happiness in the city today and I feel exactly the same.

"Our fans also need to know that they matter, because they haven't for 14 years, so today is special for them."

Shearer, who scored 206 goals during 10 years at St James' Park as a player, helped the club to several top-four finishes. They qualified for the Champions League on three occasions between 1996 and 2003.

However, those squads had more than a sprinkling of star quality, in contrast to recent years when a perceived lack of investment in the playing staff has led to mediocre performances and fan protests.

"The dream is that we want a little bit of hope. Fans want their football club to try and be the best and I really understand their excitement for that reason," Shearer added on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"The Newcastle fans have not mattered for 14 years. Their money hasn't been invested and they've not been consulted. To have a football club that has such passionate support but not have that level of consultation is not good.

"We now have owners that will invest and I think that's really important for the fans to see that.

"It will need patience and that's fine. We don't expect to be winning the league in the next few years or winning the Champions League, we just expect a little bit of something to look forward to.

"The fans deserve that, they are such loyal and passionate supporters and they've been on the brink for so long. We were lucky enough to do so much at one time and it was a happy and thriving place, but there's been none of that for the last 14 years."

The Premier League approved the takeover after receiving "legally binding assurances" that the Saudi state would not control the club.

That is despite the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, being listed as the chair of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which will provide 80% of funds for the deal.

The Saudi Arabian state has been accused of human rights abuses, but with the majority owner PIF deemed a separate entity, and an alleged piracy dispute with Qatar-based broadcaster beIN Sports, settled, there was no longer an impediment to the takeover, in the Premier League's view.

"I understand that questions have to be asked about the human rights issues, it's really important that we don't brush them under the carpet," Shearer added.

"We have to educate ourselves on that and this will highlight that even more... but already they are massively invested in this country and other sports.

"It is a huge issue but it's not Newcastle United fans' fault - they don't get a say in their football club and how it's run."


'The first signing has to set the place alight'
Former Newcastle and England winger Chris Waddle believes the new owners need to make a statement signing, similar to when Newcastle bought Kevin Keegan in 1982 or Keegan himself signing Shearer for a world-record transfer fee in 1996.

During Keegan's first spell as manager, Newcastle went from an ailing second-tier side in 1992 to fighting for the Premier League title four years later.

"For me, the first signing has to be a massive signing. You're talking a Keegan or a Shearer. It's got to set the place alight," Waddle said.

"It's going to cost a fortune. Manchester City had a five-year plan when they did this and they've managed that very well. Newcastle should be copying a plan like that to succeed.

"I think Steve Bruce has done a good job - that may be unpopular but I think he has. But City made a real statement when this happened to them and got a high-profile manager in Pep Guardiola, who is the best.

"If Bruce did lose his job, which I think he will unfortunately, I think they've got to make a big statement with who they appoint because that's what they need if they're going to take this club to the next level."

Another former Newcastle favourite, Robert Lee, who played nearly 400 games for the Magpies after signing for Keegan, believes the new ownership will take a more pragmatic approach to rebuilding on-pitch fortunes.

"As much as the fans would like to see [Lionel] Messi and [Kylian] Mbappe, I don't see that happening," Lee said.

"I don't expect them to chuck hundreds of millions at it straight away - that would be foolish. You have to spend it properly. We have to make sure the right people choose the right players."
 
Robert said:
Never mind the sport wash by authoritarian regimes, though that’s bad enough.

It’s truly disturbing how oligarchs are becoming more and more powerful. Did you see a show called Altered Carbon [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION]? Posits a future where the ordinary folk live under permanent cloud and rain due to climate change in a crime infested hell, while the hyper-rich live in stratospheric towers and are immortal through technology and untouchable by law.

It’s all coming true.
Click to expand...

The ARC as I call it (Arabia, Russia, China) are indeed investing in the UK. This is no different to the USA investing in the UK. It's business at the end of the day, and fully legal.

USA and non ARC billionaires own a number of PL teams, are you ok with this?

UK isn't clean; it is the epicentre of global corruption and money laundering. The Panama papers provide enough evidence of this - most deals are via London.

Yes we can argue about human rights etc, but then when the British government are trading arms/weapons with the ARC, then why should anyone care?

If foreign investment is pulled out of the UK, we'd be living in the dark ages.

It's all about the money, which UK doesn't have.
 
The UK government is refusing to reveal what it told the Premier League about the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United because it could "harm" relations with Saudi Arabia.

The government says it did not get involved in the deal, which has been criticised by human rights activists.

But the Foreign Office is known to have held meetings with the Premier League to discuss it.

The BBC asked for details of these meetings under Freedom of Information.

The Foreign Office responded with a redacted copy of the agenda for one meeting, which took place on 14 May 2020, and a redacted copy of the minutes of another meeting on 10 June 2020.

However, it declined to provide further details requested by the BBC, including a list of attendees and the full minutes.

Labour MP for Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Central, Chi Onwurah, who has been critical of the way the Premier League handles takeovers, said: "The lack of transparency and accountability by the Premier League and government is a sign of broken football governance.

"This is the first time we've heard it's an issue of diplomacy. There will be many fans who have concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights record - if the government raised concerns, we deserve to know about it."

In its letter to the BBC in March this year, the Foreign Office said: "We acknowledge that releasing information on this issue would increase public knowledge about our relations with Saudi Arabia."

But officials added: "The disclosure of information detailing our relationship with the Saudi government could potentially damage the bilateral relationship between the UK and Saudi Arabia.

"This would reduce the UK government's ability to protect and promote UK interests through its relations with Saudi Arabia which would not be in the public interest."

The government confirmed that the meeting on 14 May was attended by representatives from the Foreign Office, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Department for International Trade and the Premier League.

The 10 June meeting was between the Foreign Office and the Premier League.

The redacted minutes of that meeting say there was uncertainty about the "exact timeline for a PL [Premier League] decision" but it was "becoming closer".

It added that the Premier League was "committed" to keeping the government "informed both at a working-level [redacted]".

On Thursday, the Premier League approved the takeover of Newcastle United after receiving "legally binding" assurances that Saudi Arabia would not control the club.

'Bitter blow'
Eighty per cent of the funding for the deal will come from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) which is seen as separate from the state, despite the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman acting as chair for the body.

Many Newcastle fans celebrated the deal which could see increased investment in the club, following Mike Ashley's 14-year reign as owner.

Amnesty International UK described the takeover as "an extremely bitter blow for human rights defenders".

Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of Jamal Khashoggi, has described the Newcastle United takeover as "heartbreaking"

The Saudi Arabian authorities have jailed women's rights activists and Western intelligence agencies believe the country's crown prince ordered the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi - something he denies.

Homosexuality is outlawed in the country and campaigners say same-sex acts are punishable by death.

Saudi Arabia is an important trade partner for the UK, who after the US is the second largest exporter of arms to Saudi Arabia.

This relationship has been an important one for the UK's defence industry, dating back to 1985 when then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher signed the Al-Yamamah arms deal with the country.

Financier Amanda Staveley who will take a seat on the board of Newcastle said the new owners would make a "long-term investment" in the club

The UK government has made a concerted effort not to get involved with the takeover of Newcastle United, a senior source has told the BBC.

'Difficult one'

Officials from both the Department for Media, Culture and Sport and the Foreign Office have been in regular contact with the Premier League for updates.

An insider said the involvement of the Saudis made it "quite a difficult one" but the government wanted to "let the deal play out."

Sports minister Nigel Huddleston has said that he is "keeping an eye on" the takeover but that acquisitions of any team is "an issue for football".

He said he expected a fit and proper test to be applied but added: "At the end of the day we've got to trust football to do its job and look after itself".

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told the BBC he was "very concerned" by the takeover of the football club, adding that all such deals should go to an independent regulator.

He added that it was not for him as a politician to say who should own football clubs.

Former sports minister Tracey Crouch - who is currently undertaking a review into English football - has said she is in favour of an independent regulator to address corporate governance.

BBC
 
Robert said:
You think the Premiership installed the House of Saud a century ago, and now sells them Challenger tanks and Typhoon jets.
Click to expand...

The English did, PL didn't exist then. But even if we live in the present, the UK sells billions of pounds worth of arms to Saudi. Its a bit stupid to then suggest Saudis cannot buy a club, if you're helping them in any human rights abuses.
 
mazkhan said:
Deal done

This is massive , massive for the North East in putting it on the world stage in football terms.

Newcastle will have serious money behind them now .
Click to expand...

It's a game changer, not just serious money - overnight they've become the richest club in the world and Newcastle fans have gone nuts.

I have a lot of sympathy for Khashoggi's fiancée though.
 
Kroll said:
It's a game changer, not just serious money - overnight they've become the richest club in the world and Newcastle fans have gone nuts.

I have a lot of sympathy for Khashoggi's fiancée though.
Click to expand...

I think the Yemenis might have some opinions too.
 
The UK has a strong financial and military alliance with Saudi Arabia, so we can’t be surprised that the House of Saud has chosen to buy one of our most famous football clubs.

Like I said a couple days ago, if this proves to be a fruitful investment, then further sporting acquisitions will follow from the same source.

If we were to lobby our government to strongly oppose the Saudi government and such a policy shift were to come into effect, then there may be some scope to the idea of opposing in earnest this takeover of Newcastle United. But until we do something along these lines, we can expect much more investment into our treasured brands to follow from them.
 
Top-flight clubs have complained to the Premier League after it cleared the £305m takeover of Newcastle by a Saudi Arabian-backed group.

There is understood to be frustration from clubs about how the deal passed the owners' and directors' test.

Concerns also arose as to why they were not kept informed after the surprise news emerged on Wednesday.

Additionally, there are worries as to how Saudi Arabian owners will reflect on the league itself.

There are many human rights issues linked to the kingdom.

Clubs are demanding a meeting with the Premier League, which has previously said the takeover process would remain confidential.

There is irritation with the Premier League board from all 19 other clubs, who are united in a view they should have been kept updated on an issue of such significance.

The clubs also feel they should have been told what had changed to allow the deal to proceed before it was completed.

When approving the takeover on Thursday, the Premier League said it has received legal assurances from the new owners that the Saudi state would not control Newcastle United and there would be punishments if it was proven otherwise.

The takeover was 80% financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, whose chair is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Western intelligence agencies say he ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an allegation Bin Salman denies.

Following Thursday's takeover, Amanda Staveley, Newcastle's director, told BBC sports editor Dan Roan that PCP Capital took concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record "very seriously" but reiterated that their partner "is not that Saudi state, it's PIF".

When asked if this was a case of 'sportswashing' by Saudi Arabia, she said: "No, not at all, this is very much about the PIF's investment into a fantastic football team and we look forward to growing the club."

BBC
 
KingKhanWC said:
The English did, PL didn't exist then. But even if we live in the present, the UK sells billions of pounds worth of arms to Saudi. Its a bit stupid to then suggest Saudis cannot buy a club, if you're helping them in any human rights abuses.
Click to expand...

You continue with your false equivalence. Newcastle FC is not the British government after WW1, and is not part of the modern military-industrial complex.

Oppressive oligarchs should not have the opportunity to sportswash themselves.
 
James said:
The UK has a strong financial and military alliance with Saudi Arabia, so we can’t be surprised that the House of Saud has chosen to buy one of our most famous football clubs.

Like I said a couple days ago, if this proves to be a fruitful investment, then further sporting acquisitions will follow from the same source.

If we were to lobby our government to strongly oppose the Saudi government and such a policy shift were to come into effect, then there may be some scope to the idea of opposing in earnest this takeover of Newcastle United. But until we do something along these lines, we can expect much more investment into our treasured brands to follow from them.
Click to expand...

Sure - what next? Taliban Rovers? They won’t be able to afford a Premiership side but maybe a Conference side. Women fans will have to be chaperoned and veiled.
 
Robert said:
Sure - what next? Taliban Rovers? They won’t be able to afford a Premiership side but maybe a Conference side. Women fans will have to be chaperoned and veiled.
Click to expand...

You are talking about Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan?
 
Robert said:
You continue with your false equivalence. Newcastle FC is not the British government after WW1, and is not part of the modern military-industrial complex.

Oppressive oligarchs should not have the opportunity to sportswash themselves.
Click to expand...

There is no false equivalence. The point made was that the English created the house of Saud and the UK sell billions of arms to Saudi Arabia despite the cries of human rights. Your thoughts on this? Surely you see the hypocrisy here?
 
Technics 1210 said:
There is no false equivalence. The point made was that the English created the house of Saud and the UK sell billions of arms to Saudi Arabia despite the cries of human rights. Your thoughts on this? Surely you see the hypocrisy here?
Click to expand...

For the third time, Newcastle FC did not elevate the House of Saud and do not sell them weapons.

If you ask me if HM Gov is being hypocritical in calling for human rights, that’s a different matter.

The false equivalence is in conflating a football club with a government.
 
Robert said:
For the third time, Newcastle FC did not elevate the House of Saud and do not sell them weapons.

If you ask me if HM Gov is being hypocritical in calling for human rights, that’s a different matter.

The false equivalence is in conflating a football club with a government.
Click to expand...

For the first time, KKWC didn’t state Newcastle elevated the Saud, he clearly mentioned England.

You are asking the question whether a PL ream installed the HoS.

The matter here is clear, you have reservations of Arab money being invested in English clubs; when the reality is there should be no concern; business is business, just ask the UK gov.
 
Amanda Staveley plans to meet with Steve Bruce and the Newcastle United squad for the first time on Monday, with Bruce expected to be relieved of his duties this week before the Super Sunday match against Tottenham at St James' Park.

She had planned to meet with Bruce and the players last Friday having concluded PCP's Capital Partners' takeover of the club, but both manager and players were off due to the international break training schedule.

Staveley, who is the chief executive of PCP Capital Partners and a director on the Newcastle board, is back in the north-east after spending the weekend at her home in London.

Without a replacement for Bruce lined up, it is likely that coach Graeme Jones will be asked to take charge of the first team for the match against Spurs while the new ownership search for a new manager.

Jones was the only one of Bruce's back-room staff that arrived separately when he took over in 2019.

Bruce told Sky Sports News on Thursday that he was fully aware that the new owners could seek a new head coach.

"I'm happy for the club that this has gone through. It's a great night for the fans, I'm delighted for them," Bruce said.

"I want to continue [as manager] but I have to be realistic. I'm not stupid and aware what could happen with new owners."

Staveley briefly met the rest of the club staff at a meeting on Friday morning, where they were given a round of applause for purchasing the club.

Monday will be the first time she and her group have visited the training ground, which desperately needs to be renovated or rebuilt.

Current managing director Lee Charnley - seen by many as "Mike Ashley's man" - remains at the club for now to help with the handover.

The reason for no immediate decisions is the want of the consortium to assess the workings of the club first. Also, the nature of the takeover going through so quickly has left them somewhat behind on their preparations.
 
SpiritOf1903 said:
I think the Yemenis might have some opinions too.
Click to expand...

Possibly, not heard anything although with the Yemenis and Saudis its a bit of a two way street unlike the brutal killing of an innocent journalist whose mere crime was the criticism of the crown prince.
 
Even with Bruce gone, they need to get the right manager in.

Trophies soon according to my Geordie friends.
 
Great choice of club by the Saudi investment firm. Newcastle is one of England's premier cities, unique not just geographically, but also a one club city unlike Manchester, Liverpool and London. The next club which I would recommend for takeover is Leeds United which has a similar fanatical fan base.
 
Robert said:
You continue with your false equivalence. Newcastle FC is not the British government after WW1, and is not part of the modern military-industrial complex.

Oppressive oligarchs should not have the opportunity to sportswash themselves.
Click to expand...

lol what ?

Newcastle has no issues with Saudi Takeover.

The point is simple, let me simplify further.

Parts of English media and others are crying over human rights of Saudi. What these idiots dont understand is , Saudi's whole existence is because of the English, they were installed, protected and are helped in war crimes or human rights violations. So an English should have no problem with them investing here.

Besides, UAE and Roman already have clubs here.
 
Newcastle takeover: Steve Bruce edging towards exit, Amanda Staveley meets manager & squad

Amanda Staveley met with Steve Bruce and the Newcastle United squad for the first time on Monday, with Bruce expected to be relieved of his duties this week before the Super Sunday match against Tottenham at St James' Park.

She had planned to meet with Bruce and the players last Friday having concluded PCP's Capital Partners' takeover of the club, but both manager and players were off due to the international break training schedule.

Staveley, who is the chief executive of PCP Capital Partners and a director on the Newcastle board, is back in the north-east after spending the weekend at her home in London.

Without a replacement for Bruce lined up, it is likely that coach Graeme Jones will be asked to take charge of the first team for the match against Spurs while the new ownership search for a new manager.

Jones was the only one of Bruce's back-room staff that arrived separately when he took over in 2019.

Bruce told Sky Sports News on Thursday that he was fully aware that the new owners could seek a new head coach.

"I'm happy for the club that this has gone through. It's a great night for the fans, I'm delighted for them," Bruce said.

"I want to continue [as manager] but I have to be realistic. I'm not stupid and aware what could happen with new owners."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ds-exit-amanda-staveley-to-meet-manager-squad
 
Brendan Rodgers has no interest in talking to Newcastle about the possibility of taking over as manager, Sky Sports News has been told.

Steve Bruce is currently in charge at St James' Park, but he is expected to be relieved of his duties following Newcastle's takeover by a Saudi Arabia-backed consortium.

Former Liverpool and Celtic boss Rodgers, who led Leicester to FA Cup glory last season, had been mentioned in some quarters as a possible target for Newcastle's ownership.
 
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