Newcastle United's Saudi Arabian takeover in doubt amid illegal piracy claims

The controversial takeover of Newcastle United by Saudi Arabia has been thrown into doubt.

The World Trade Organisation has ruled that the nation is responsible for illegal broadcast piracy of the Premier League and other sports events in the Middle East.

The Premier League have yet to approve the £300m sale of Mike Ashley's club.

It must endorse the potential new owners, the Saudi public Investment Fund chaired by Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, as fit and proper owners, before the deal is done.

But a 130-page report to be released in mid-June has concluded that the Saudi state is behind beoutQ, which has illegally streamed sporting events.

Newcastle are the subject of takeover interest (EMPICS Sport)

The Premier League is in possession of the WTO ruling and even gave evidence AGAINST Saudi Arabia.

The fit and proper person test can be failed if a crime is committed abroad that would also be one in the UK and for giving false, inaccurate or misleading information.

Organisations including FIFA, UEFA, the Premier League and La Liga all tried to take action against beoutQ in Saudi for illegal streaming, but nine local legal firms refused to take on the case.

The issue was then taken to the WTO, the highest body possible to hear the complaint, and they have found the Saudi state in breach of international law because of the beoutQ broadcasts.

It is claimed three weeks ago that the deal was about to be approved by the Premier League, and again last week, but the piracy issue has yet to be overcome, and left the top flight execs in a difficult position.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammad bin Salman is leading the consortium (PA)

Amanda Staveley is brokering the deal with the PIF taking an 80pc stake, London-based property tycoons the Reuben brothers 10pc and Staverley her own 10pc cut.

An agreement with Sport Direct tycoon Ashley has been signed and the buyers are waiting for the nod from the Premier League.

However that hurdle is proving hard to pass, with rival clubs concerned about the piracy issue. Middle East broadcaster and rights holders beIN Sports have also protested.

Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.