Many Newcastle United fans have been reacting to a tweet from @NUFC360 in which news is relayed that the Saudi authorities are planning to establish a company to specialise in inspecting and controlling intellectual property rights (via @SaudiProject).
At present, there has still been no word from the Premier League in regards to whether or not Newcastle’s proposed takeover will be approved. However, the news that the Saudis are planning to set up the aforementioned company at the very least shows they are willing to address some of the criticisms they have faced from the likes of BeIN Sports and others who are opposed to the takeover of the club.
Here is how a sample of the St. James’ Park faithful have responded to this latest update on Twitter.
What else are the prem waiting for? They’ve got WTO report, action by the Saudis to crackdown on piracy. How much longer can it drag out? Frustrating
— Daniel Ashton (@danielashton88) June 25, 2020
I have said it since week 2 of this takeover and I will keep repeating it. It is all about TV money. Until the Saudis agree to let bein sports be viewed in Saudi Arabia or pay TV money for the rights in there own country this deal will not go through.
— thereal andrew young (@temperamentalan) June 25, 2020
This might be why it’s still with @premierleague… perhaps not all “conditions” have been met yet. But surely another big step towards approval.
They’re not here to take part, they’re here to #NUFCTakeover— LL (@chasing_rabbit) June 25, 2020
Do you think this news will satisfy the Premier League?
Yes
No
In the eyes of these fans, the Saudi authorities are taking steps to combat the piracy issues that have been at the centre of the deal’s controversy, which should, in their view, enable the Premier League to give the takeover the green light sooner rather than later.
Great news, for all those who doubted their last efforts since the WTO report, this is them doubling down on what they have said already by the looks!
— NUFCR (@NUFCR2) June 25, 2020
Another anti-piracy box ticked for the Premier League.
— ?? Joe #NUFC ?? (@Joe1989NUFC) June 25, 2020
Giving the PL plenty of assurances. Surely won’t be long now
— ??Ø?? (@simplyMaximin) June 25, 2020
Earlier this week, it was reported that an announcement was imminent, with the expectation the deal would be approved (via the Daily Mail). However, given the level of opposition the Saudi-backed consortium has faced so far, it is fair to assume that until the Premier League makes a formal announcement, nobody on Tyneside will be getting ahead of themselves.