Amnesty International proposes new Premier League owners’ and directors’ test

The proposed takeover of Newcastle by a Saudi-led group was criticised by human rights groups, while Saudi Arabia’s links to piracy of sports broadcasting rights were also scrutinised.

It comes after a Saudi-led takeover offer for Newcastle was withdrawn, with the Middle East country’s public investment fund having been set to take an 80% stake in the Premier League club under the terms of the deal.

Amnesty International has called for the Premier League to overhaul its “hopelessly unsuited” owners’ and directors’ test.

The human rights group has written to the league’s chief executive Richard Masters and put forward a proposed updated test.