Amnesty slams ‘sportswashing’ Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle Utd

The group had long lobbied English football chiefs to reject the takeover due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

Amnesty International has condemned the English Premier League’s test to assess the suitability of owners and directors as unfit for purpose as a Saudi Arabia-led consortium completed its takeover of struggling Newcastle United amid concerns about Saudi human rights abuses.

The human rights group has lobbied English football chiefs for more than a year to reject the takeover, warning it is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to “sportswash” its human rights record.

“Shame. Shame on Newcastle United,” Amnesty Secretary General Agnes Callamard tweeted after the takeover was announced on Thursday.