Human rights organisation Amnesty International have issued a damning response to the potential Saudi takeover of Newcastle United.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is trying to buy the club for £340million and Mike Ashley is due back in the UK to mull over what has been described as a 'serious approach'.
The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, alongside billionaire British brothers David and Simon Reuben, are part of a consortium in talks with the Newcastle owner over a takeover deal which is being brokered by Amanda Staveley.
But given Saudi Arabia's human rights record, any deal would prove to be controversial.
The reports have caught the attention of Amnesty who have consistently spoken about the country's 'appalling record on LGBT rights, women's rights, extra-judicial killings, beheadings, the murder of journalist Jamal Kashoggi, and their involvement in the ongoing conflict in Yemen'.
And speaking directly about the potential takeover of the Magpies, the organisation have urged staff and fans to read up on the situation in Saudi Arabia and counter the 'sportswashing' of the Saudi regime.
"Given the deluge of investment in sport we've seen from Saudi Arabia recently, a takeover of Newcastle United wouldn't come as a major surprise," said Felix Jakens, Amnesty International UK's Head of Campaigns.
"Saudi Arabia is well-known for its attempts at 'sportswashing' - trying to use the glamour and prestige of top-tier sport as a PR tool to distract from the country's abysmal human rights record.
"Under the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, there's been a sweeping human rights crackdown - with numerous peaceful activists jailed, including Loujain al-Hathloul and other brave women's right defenders.
"There's been a blatant whitewash over Jamal Khashoggi's grisly murder, there are continuing concerns over Saudi hacking, and the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has a bloody record of launching indiscriminate attacks on homes and hospitals.
"It's not for us to say who should own Newcastle United, but players, back-room staff, and fans alike ought to see this for what it is - sportswashing, plain and simple.
"The sportswashing effect can be countered if those involved are willing to do so. Staff and fans at Newcastle United should familiarise themselves with the dire human rights situation in Saudi Arabia and be prepared to speak about it."
