The Athletic’s David Ornstein has been speaking on the latest episode of The Ornstein & Chapman Podcast about Newcastle United’s proposed takeover.
Joining him to discuss this issue was Matt Slater, who recently published an article on the takeover’s complexities.
Slater did most of the talking, but Ornstein provided a great summary of the three options that the Premier League has.
The Premier League can either block the takeover and risk a huge legal battle; pass the takeover, but at the ‘risk of angering its great partner’, BeIN Sports; or find a solution that suits everyone and allow the takeover to go through.
BeIN Sports sent a letter to the Premier League in April, urging them to block Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed takeover because of piracy issues regarding broadcaster BeoutQ.
Do you think beIN Sports can stop this takeover?
No, they will find a deal that works
Yes, hold too much power over the Premier League
BeoutQ has direct links to the Saudi government, and BeIN claims it has launched a $1bn (£780m) arbitration.
BeIN spent £500m to win the TV rights for the Middle East and North Africa region and Ornstein describes them as ‘great partners’ to the Premier League, while Slater claims that the league and BeIN have a very good relationship.
Therefore, it is easy to see why the Premier League faces such a huge dilemma because of this piracy issue.
TIF Thoughts…
BeIN has invested a lot of money into the Premier League, and it is clear how allowing the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle could anger them because of the links between BeoutQ and the Saudi government.
However, Slater claims that BeIN wants a deal and that one can be reached – if the Saudis are willing to make some compromises.
It is clear, though, that this whole process is increasingly complicated, but hopefully for Newcastle fans, there will be a positive conclusion to this soon.