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Newcastle United: Takeover in doubt as WTO rules pirate TV channel is Saudi
The prospective takeover of Newcastle United is now in serious doubt as the World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled the pirate television channel beoutQ is from Saudi Arabia, according to The Guardian.
As per the report, the WTO ruled that the country is behind a pirate satellite TV and streaming service that offers illegal access to sporting events. Although the WTO’s 130-page final report will not be published until mid-June, it is understood that the independent ruling firmly establishes that the Saudi government is behind beoutQ.
The Guardian also revealed that the Premier League, which received the WTO report this month, made submissions against Saudi Arabia as part of the legal process.
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The development will raise fundamental questions about whether the proposed deal for the Tyneside club – which would lead to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) taking an 80% stake in them, with PCP Capital Partners and the property developers David and Simon Reuben taking 10% each – will pass the Premier League’s owners and directors test.
That test can be failed if a crime is committed overseas that would also be illegal in the United Kingdom. It is also made clear to prospective owners that false, misleading or inaccurate information cannot be submitted to England’s highest division.
With the Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammed bin Salman also being the chairman of the PIF, the WTO report establishes a clear legal link between the beoutQ piracy service and the Saudi state. However, that link is denied by the country as well as the Magpies’ would-be Saudi majority owners.
It will be very intriguing to see what happens now as a result of the WTO report’s findings.
Geordies, are you concerned that the takeover could be scuppered following the WTO report? Comment below with your views!
