Newcastle United

Newcastle United's £300m takeover in serious doubt?

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 27 May 2020

Newcastle's £300m takeover in serious doubt?

Fresh doubt has been cast on the proposed £300m takeover of Newcastle United as the World Trade Organization prepares to publish a damning report.

The proposed £300m Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United is reportedly in serious doubt due to allegations regarding piracy claims.

Newcastle were hoping to bring an end to Mike Ashley's controversial reign at the club by having new owners in place in time for the summer transfer window.

Fresh doubt has been cast over that happening, however, as The Guardian claims that the World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled the Saudi government is behind a pirate satellite TV and streaming service that offer illegal access to sporting events.

WTO will supposedly publish a 130-page report next month that points to the country being behind beoutQ, which is known to show matches from the Premier League and La Liga via illegal means.

As a result, the publication indicates that the takeover attempt of United may now be blocked, with a decision to be delayed by at least a couple of weeks.

Amnesty International has also asked the Premier League to consider blocking the takeover due to Saudi Arabia's poor human rights record.