Amnesty International has written to the English Premier League asking for a full examination of Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations before it decides whether to approve the country’s sovereign wealth being used to buy Newcastle.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is seeking clearance from the Premier League to take control of the northeast English club from retail entrepreneur Mike Ashley as the majority owner. The proposed 300 million-pound ($370) takeover is due to be in partnership with the wealthy British-based Reuben brothers and financier Amanda Staveley.
PIF is overseen by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who Amnesty says has been involved in a “sweeping crackdown on human rights.