Fans Europe have responded to Amnesty International's comments about Newcastle United's takeover, claiming that 'the game as a whole must reflect on why it has become so attractive to authoritarian regimes'.
FSE is a independent, democratic, & non-profit association of football fans with members in over 45 UEFA countries and have often been a voice for supporters.
"The Newcastle takeover is yet another example of how football allows states with some of the worst human rights records to use it as a geopolitical & sportswashing tool," FSE stated.
"The game as a whole must reflect on why it has become so attractive to authoritarian regimes.
"Football must look at itself & ask why dictatorships such as Saudi Arabia & others are able to exert so much influence over our clubs & communities.
"Governing bodies must embed clear human rights criteria & protections at their core—& then enforce them.
"As a founding member of @Sport_Rights, alongside 8 NGOs & trade unions, we believe that human rights are at fundamental to football & sport, whether it’s sponsorship deals, international sporting events, or club ownership."
A Saudi-led Investment Fund completed the sale of the Magpies from former owner Mike Ashley on Thursday, which has sent shockwaves around the top-flight.
Leeds United are one club who benefited from a change of ownership when Andrea Radrizzani took over from Massimo Cellino in 2017.
The Whites have since been promoted from the Championship and established themselves with a ninth-place finish in the top-flight last season.
But Newcastle's takeover has caused some controversy as the Saudi state has been accused of human rights abuses, though the consortium insist the fund and not the state will be in charge.
Although the consortium would be in control of the club, Amnesty International chief executive Sacha Deshmukh said: "Instead of allowing those implicated in serious human rights violations to walk into English football simply because they have deep pockets, we've urged the Premier League to change their owners' and directors' test to address human rights issues."
Should the test go through then Leeds could be affected, however, the Premier League haven't commented on the matter just yet.
