beIN GROUP Calls for Verification of Background of Owners, Managers of Potential Acquisition Deal for Newcastle United FC

Doha, April 23 (QNA) - beIN MEDIA GROUP called on the English Premier League and chairmen of Premier League clubs to verify the background of owners and managers of a potential acquisition deal for Newcastle United football club. beIN MEDIA GROUP has sent two important letters this week in relation to the reported potential acquisition of Newcastle United football club, which is being acquired by the same entity that has been responsible for the theft of the Premier League's (and Newcastle's), beIN's and all major broadcasters' commercial rights for nearly three years - and continues to do so. The Group said, "The 1st letter was to our long-standing and hugely-valued partner, The Premier League - who has done more to fight Saudi Arabia's beoutQ than almost anybody in world sport - simply asking them to robustly apply the Owners' and Directors' Test in that context. The 2nd letter was to various chairmen of Premier League clubs, informing them of Saudi Arabia's theft of their club's intellectual property and commercial rights for nearly 3 years, and again drawing their attention to the Owners' and Directors' Test." In a letter written to CEO of the Premier League Richard Masters, beIN MEDIA GROUP CEO Yousef Al Obaidly said: "To the extent the reports about the acquisition of NUFC are correct, we consider it essential for the Premier League to fully investigate the potential acquirer of the club, including all directors, officers and other representatives from the KSA PIF or other Saudi Arabian entities involved in or otherwise providing any financing for the acquisition. There appear to be several reasons why such an investigation is being called for by other parties; our request is purely based on Saudi Arabia's past and present theft of your and your member clubs' intellectual property rights". The Group urged the Premier League to take in consideration the direct role of Saudi Arabia (the ultimate owner of the KSA PIF) in the launch, promotion and operation of the beoutQ service, which is the challenge the Premier League itself has faced and will continue to face in taking any action to protect its own intellectual property rights in the country. In a letter to various chairmen of Premier League clubs, Yousef Al Obaidly said, "Not only has the potential acquirer of Newcastle United caused huge damage to your club's and the Premier League's commercial revenues; but the legacy of the illegal service will continue to impact you going forward." "I would like to state unequivocally that this request in no way criticizes or bears any reflection whatsoever on the Premier League office or their management, who have done more than any single entity in world sport to combat Saudi Arabia's operation; including legally, politically and technologically." (QNA)