Premier League told controversial owners’ and directors’ test is ‘hopelessly unsuited’ to the task

Amnesty International have called on the Premier League to completely ‘overhaul’ the owners’ and directors’ test following Newcastle’s failed takeover bid.

A consortium bankrolled by Saudi Arabia‘s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and spearheaded by businesswoman Amanda Staveley, agreed a deal with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley in April.

But the bid was marred by controversy regarding Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and allegations of TV rights piracy – which led to four months of scrutiny from the Premier League before the takeover eventually fell through.

Newcastle’s proposed £300million takeover from a Saudi-led consortium recently fell through

The takeover saga shone light on the Premier League owners’ and directors’ test, which closely looks at whether potential investors meet certain standards in order to protect football’s reputation. 

And following the failed £300m takeover, Amnesty International have written to the Premier League to give their feelings on the ‘hopelessly unsuited’ test.

‘The current test is hopelessly unsuited to the task of vetting who gets to own and run English football clubs – it needs a serious overhaul,’ Kate Allen, Amnesty International UK’s director, said.

‘At present, anyone wishing to “sportswash” their reputation by buying into English football can do so knowing that even their involvement in war crimes or torture wouldn’t stop them.

PIF, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, were part of the takeover consortium

‘The test simply hasn’t kept up with modern trends in international football ownership, not least with foreign powers buying their way into the game.

‘Football can be a real force for good… but top-flight football needs to sort out this thorny issue of ownership.’

The PIF had become frustrated with the lack of progress over the owners’ and directors’ test, leading to the eventual withdrawal of the takeover.

The takeover would have seen Saudi Arabia’s PIF gain an 80 per cent stake in the north east club.

The British-based Reuben brothers and financier Amanda Staveley were planning to each buy the remaining 10 per cent stakes to end the ownership of retail entrepreneur Ashley.