BeIN Sports issue Saudi statement as Newcastle United takeover talk takes fresh twist
BeIN Sports issued a statement denying the legal blockade of their channels being shown in Saudi Arabia has been lifted. The Qatar-based media company reacted to reports suggesting they could resume broadcasting in the kingdom emerged from the Middle East, via Reuters.
Their statement read: “Nothing has materially changed as far as we are aware at this stage – we are constantly monitoring. Our website is still fully blocked in Saudi Arabia and we have received no official communication from the Saudi authorities to suggest that our license has been re-instated."
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Hide AdThe statement continues: "However, like everyone, we are hopeful of positive moves by Saudi to allow beIN operations back in the country after 3.5 years. We await to see."
The original story from Reuters read: “RIYADH (Reuters) - Qatar-based TV channel beIN Sports has resumed its broadcast in Saudi Arabia after the two countries reconciled this month, ending a rift of more than three years, a Reuters witness in Riyadh reported on Monday.”
The beIN block in Saudi has been a major battleground in Newcastle United takeover talk.
Relations between Qatar and the Saudis have thawed somewhat in recent weeks and hope remains high, as per the beIN statement, that the ban will eventually be lifted. This would remove one hurdle for the progression of the PIF, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brother deal, which has stalled since May last year.
Premier League football has not been legal to watch in the kingdom since 2017.