Amnesty warns Premier League over Newcastle takeover

Amnesty International has warned Premier League that it "risks becoming a patsy" unless it takes a serious look at Saudi Arabia's human rights record in connection with proposed takeover of Newcastle. Magpies are on verge of being sold to a Saudi-backed consortium that involves Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for around 300 million euros ($368 million). It was reported on Tuesday that a n-refundable deposit of 17 euros million has already been paid to current owner Mike Ashley as part of deal.

Amnesty warns Premier League 

Premier League must decide if new owners meet criteria in its owners and directors test. Amnesty, a global n-governmental organisation that seeks to prevent abuses of human rights, said that unless league provides thorough justification for its decision to approve takeover, it risks damaging its own reputation. Amnesty International UK director Kate Allen has sent a letter to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters spelling out concerns of organisation.

"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," she said in letter.

Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of "sports washing", saying government uses sport as a way of distracting attention from its human rights record. In a statement separate from letter sent to Masters, Allen said: "All businesses need to safeguard against any possible links to human rights violations, and English football is different. "This is more than just a financial transaction -- it's an im-building exercise that draws on prestige of Premier League and passion of Newcastle United's fanbase."  Amnesty have also previously criticised UAE's investment into defending English champions Manchester City as an attempt to sports wash state's im.

Im credits: AP