The Saudi led takeover of Newcastle United could be in doubt, as it's reported a ruling by the World Trade Organisation has gone against the Middle Eastern nation.
Majority shareholder Mike Ashley has agreed a deal to sell the club to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
However, that takeover has to be ratified by the Premier League 's owners’ and directors’ test.
Potential new owners can be ruled not to be "fit and proper" if they have committed a crime abroad that would also be illegal in the UK.
According to the Guardian, the Saudi government has been found in breach of international law by the World Trade Organisation for offences relating to a pirate TV channel.
Saudi channel beoutQ offers illegal access to sporting events and has been criticised by stakeholders.
However, lawyers in the Arab nation refused to take on a copyright case.
That led to an appeal to the WTO, who have established that the Suadi government is behind beoutQ.
Saudi Arabia's crown price Mohammed bin Salman is the chairman of the Public Investment Fund, and it has been two months since approval for the takeover was sought.
The potential new owners have also been criticised by human rights organisations including Amnesty International due to the authoritarian way in which Saudi Arabia is run.
