Amnesty International raises concerns regarding Saudi Arabia take over of Newcastle United

Amnesty International has written a letter to Premier League asking m for a full examination of Saudi Arabia's human rights violations before it decides wher to approve country's sovereign wealth being used to buy Newcastle.

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Amnesty raises concerns 

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is seeking clearance from Premier League to take control of rast English club from retail entrepreneur Mike Ashley as majority owner.  proposed 300 million-pound ($370) takeover is due to be in partnership with wealthy British-based Reuben brors and financier Amanda Staveley.

PIF is overseen by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who Amnesty says has been involved in a “sweeping crackdown on human rights." Premier League does t have specific human rights standards set out in regulations that are used to assess suitability of new owners.

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"I believe re are serious questions to address in determining wher owners and directors of company seeking to acquire NUFC are meeting standards that can protect reputation and im of game. If Crown Prince, by virtue of his authority over Saudi Arabia's ecomic relations and via control of his country's sovereign wealth fund, becomes beneficial owner of NUFC, how can this be positive for reputation and im of Premier League," statement read. 

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"So long as se questions (concerning Saudi Arabia’s human rights record) remain unaddressed, Premier League is putting itself at risk of becoming a patsy of those who want to use glamour and prestige of Premier League football to cover up actions that are deeply immoral, in breach of international law and at odds with values of Premier League and global footballing community," Amnesty UK’s director, Kate Allen said.

Premier League has t commented on Newcastle takeover but it lodged its own complaint against Saudi Arabia last year.

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