The fiancée of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi has welcomed the collapse of the Newcastle United takeover.
Saudia Arabia's public investment fund (PIF) had been set to take an 80% in the Premier League club under the terms of the deal, which was understood to be worth just over £300million.
But on Thursday the consortium announced the deal was off citing the 'prolonged process' and 'global uncertainty' as reasons for walking away.
On Tyneside fans were left furious but Hatice Cengiz, the fiancée of slain Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, welcomed the news.
She said: “This is a victory for human rights and decency and clear defeat for Mohamed Bin Salman and his efforts to sports-wash his human rights record. I’m grateful to the Premier League for putting principles and values ahead of profit.
"I’m thankful to the Newcastle United Fans, Members of Parliament and NGOs who spoke out against this deal.
"Let this defeat send a strong message to the leadership in Saudi Arabia that they will not be able to use their money to cover up their human rights record or protect those responsible for Jamal’s murder.
"We will not stop and we will not rest until we get Justice for Jamal."
Ms Cengiz's previous criticism of the bid had been met by strong opposition online by supporters' groups who feared her views could put a potential deal in jeopardy.
She added: "I hope Newcastle United fans find a better and more suitable owner and best wishes to the team in future season."
Ms Cengiz's lawyer Rodney Dixon QC added: "The Mohamed Bin Salman Saudi Public Investment Fund backed consortium is trying to damage control by covering up a major embarrassment.
"They were forced to pull out because the Premier League rules would not allow the takeover.
"The PL Owners' and Directors' test has shown its worth and the right and proper outcome has been reached. The rule of law has prevailed and that is absolutely vital for justice for Jamal and for us all”.
