A proposed £300m Newcastle takeover deal is 80% financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment FundSaudi Arabia has appealed against a landmark piracy ruling, posing further questions over the proposed takeover of Newcastle United. Last month the World Trade Organization issued a report which found representatives of the Saudi state had facilitated the breach of international piracy laws via the TV network beoutQ. BeoutQ has been accused of illegally broadcasting a range of professional sport, including Premier League matches. The rights to show Premier League games in the Middle East belong to Qatar-based beIN Sports, who are in the middle of a three-year deal with the Premier League worth £400m. Saudi Arabia has always denied aiding the beoutQ operation and has insisted there is no link between its government and the alleged piracy.

Source: BBC July 30, 2020 12:10 UTC