Saudi Arabia Lifts Ban On Bein Sports

beIN Sports has announced that Saudi Arabia will lift its ban on their coverage, removing a key obstacle behind the collapsed takeover of Premier League club, Newcastle United, by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).

beIN hold the rights to broadcast Premier League games across the Middle East but Saudi Arabia suspended its channels in 2017 as part of an ongoing diplomatic dispute.

The Qatar-based broadcaster had been a major opponent to the Newcastle deal, pointing out to the Premier League that the ban in Saudi Arabia and the piracy of its content was doing massive damage to sports rights holders.

Saudi Arabia’s response to cases of unauthorised broadcasting of Premier League games in the country was a key issue raised by the Premier League ahead of the proposed £300m bid from the PIF, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers to buy Newcastle United from Mike Ashley in April 2020.

However, after weeks of negotiations the Saudis have agreed to allow beIN Sports back in the country and are committed to removing all pirate websites.

“We have been informed that Saudi Arabia’s illegal ban on beIN SPORTS is going to be reversed soon” an emailed statement from beIN Media Group said.

The proposed takeover collapsed last year with the consortium saying that the “prolonged process” and “global uncertainty” had “rendered the potential investment no longer commercially viable.”

Current Newcastle United owner, Mike Ashley, initiated legal proceedings against the Premier League earlier this year over the aborted takeover attempt that have been adjourned until early 2022.

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