Newcastle: Multiple groups looking at takeover reveals expert
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is in talks to sell the club to the Saudi Arabia sovereign-wealth fund, according to a report. Ashley put Newcastle up for sale in 2017 but has not yet found a fitting investor.
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Concerns over a potential takeover from Saudi centre around its questionable human rights record.
Journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered when visiting the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul 15 months ago, which invited worldwide condemnation.
Newcastle are yet to comment on the reported takeover, but Steve Bruce was asked about it after Newcastle's 0-0 home draw with Oxford in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
“I think I’ve got enough worries of my own on the football side to let those stories circulate," he said.
Mike Ashley is not a popular figure among Newcastle supporters (Image: Getty)
Saudi Arabia hosted Anthony Joshua’s rematch against Andy Ruiz in December in a flagship event for the country.
Amnesty International UK condemned the decision, with head of campaigns Felix Jakens saying: “Despite some long-overdue reforms on women’s rights, Saudi Arabia is currently in the grip of a sweeping human rights crackdown.
“Women’s rights activists, lawyers and members of the Shia minority community are all being targeted.
“There’s been no justice over the gruesome murder of Jamal Khashoggi.
“And the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen is carrying out indiscriminate attacks on homes, hospitals and market-places with horrific consequences for Yemeni civilians.”