The Premier League has adjusted its owners’ and directors’ test to prevent those found guilty of human rights violations from buying a club. Previously, the top flight had come under intense scrutiny during the Newcastle United takeover saga.
Human rights organisation Amnesty International were one of the most vocal critics of the Saudi-backed deal, which had reached an 18-month stalemate until its approval in October 2021. Any person or organisation that has been sanctioned by the UK government will also be denied the right to buy a Premier League club.
This issue is likely a consequence of Roman Abramovich having his UK-based assets - including Chelsea - frozen last year due to his alleged association with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The government intervened and forced a £2.5billion sale to a US-backed consortium fronted by Todd Boehly.
