Newcastle United’s prospective £300m takeover has been hit with yet another stumbling block, according to fresh reports this week.
The Mirror are claiming that senior government ministers have pledged to act against the pirate broadcasting of sports events, including Premier League matches, and raise “current infringements” with Saudi Arabia’s government.
Trade minister Graham Stuart said:
“Government ministers and our Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have raised this matter with the Saudi Arabian government and will continue to make representations about any alleged broadcast infringement activities.
“We understand broadcasting piracy on satellite in Saudi Arabia, through the pirate operator beoutQ, has now stopped. This followed pressure by the UK, the US, European countries, and major sports rights holders.
“We are aware that there are continued issues of infringement of UK-owned intellectual property rights across all industries through the use of IPTV apps, and we will work with the IPO to address these issues and work to protect UK intellectual property in all territories.”
Meanwhile, the Football Association have faced an ongoing battle with illegal services for “unauthorised and illegal broadcast” of FA Cup matches with them also serving an immediate request to stop the streaming of such games.
It is thought that the Premier League have been held back on making a decision in their owners and directors test because of this issue. The Guardian revealed insight into a soon-to-be released World Trade Organisation report that found the Saudi state to be involved in beoutQ.
How worried are you that the takeover will collapse?
Very
Not really
Not at all
However, the Saudi public investment fund and the main source behind the consortium behind the Magpies’ takeover is an entirely separate entity, so it’s awfully hard to prove a link between the two.
This will no doubt be another frustrating situation for those in the northeast. It’s already been two months since the PL first received paperwork about the deal, and here we are in June still awaiting a decision.
Many supporters have seen their money taken for season tickets for next term despite there being so much uncertainty on and off the field.
Now that the British government appear to be getting involved, this one is sure to rumble on as the month goes on.