Newcastle takeover: Amnesty International urges Premier League to change owners' and directors' test

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Since 2007, Newcastle United has been owned by Mike Ashley

Amnesty International urged the Premier League's directors and owners to amend their test "to address human right issues" in the wake of the Saudi-backed takeover Newcastle United.

The Premier League could approve the takeover on Thursday.

The club would be controlled by a consortium, and not the Saudi government.

Amnesty International claims that the state is accused of human rights violations. This must be considered when deciding whether or not to proceed with the takeover.

Amnesty International chief executive Sacha Deshmukh stated that instead of allowing people implicated in serious violations of human rights to enter English football because they have deep pockets we have urged the Premier League change their directors' and owners' test to address human right issues.

"The phrase "human rights" doesn't appear in the owners and directors' test, despite English football being said to adhere to Fifa standards. We have sent the Premier League a new, human rights-compliant test. We reiterate our call for them to improve their standards.

"As with Formula One and elite boxing, tennis or golf, a connection with top-tier soccer is an attractive way to rebrand a country or person with bad reputations. The Premier League must better understand sportswashing and enforce its ownership rules.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF), set to provide 80% of the funds for the 300m deal, and would be the majority-owner, will be considered separate from the state. This will allow the takeover process to pass both the Premier League directors' and owners' tests.

According to reports, a settlement was reached after Saudi Arabia settled a piracy dispute against Qatar-based broadcaster BEIN Sports. This rights holders own the rights to show Premier League matches throughout the Middle East.

PIF is now a distinct entity and that makes it no longer a hindrance to the Premier League taking over.

Many Newcastle supporters want Mike Ashley, the current owner, to leave after 14 years of a poor reign that has seen them suffer from a lackluster investment and lack of ambition.

Newcastle and the Premier League declined to comment.