Saudi Arabia are set to compete for Premier League TV rights and end the issue of piracy in the country should the takeover of Newcastle United gain approval, sources have told Sportsmail.
Qatar-based beIN Sports - current rights holders for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) - have written to the Premier League urging chief executive Richard Masters to block the £300million deal for Newcastle, citing illegal streaming of top-flight matches in Saudi Arabia.
Former Sky Sports presenter and beIN host Richard Keys has been particularly vocal in his opposition to the takeover, which is being funded by Saudi's Public Investment Fund, controlled by Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman.