Newcastle have been owned by Mike Ashley for 13 yearsPiracy claims surrounding the proposed takeover of Newcastle United should be scrutinised by government, according to a member of the Digital, Cultural, Media and Sport Committee. The £300m deal - backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund - is being checked by the Premier League under its owners' and directors' test. But the Arab state's alleged role in pirate network beoutQ showing Premier League and other sports illegally has led to demands for further investigation. He said the issue was "even more relevant now within the context of the likely takeover of Newcastle United by a consortium backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund". Saudi Arabia's human rights record has also overshadowed the proposed takeover of Newcastle, owned by Mike Ashley for 13 years.

Source: BBC May 14, 2020 15:33 UTC