Amnesty International has this message for Premier League after Saudi-backed Newcastle United takeover collapses

It was announced on Thursday afternoon that United's takeover was off with the consortium - also including Amanda Staveley's PCP Partners and the Reuben brothers – blaming the 'prolonged process under the current circumstances coupled with global uncertainty’.

Amnesty International have consistently called for the Premier League to block the takeover due to Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

And following the news of the failed takeover Peter Frankental, Amnesty International UK’s Economics Affairs Programme Director released a statement.

It reads: “This deal was always a blatant attempt by the government of Saudi Arabia to try to sportswash its abysmal human rights record by buying into the passion, prestige and pride of Tyneside football.

“The fact that this sportswashing bid has failed will be seen by human rights defenders in Saudi Arabia as a sign that their suffering has not been entirely overlooked.

“Numerous peaceful Saudi human rights activists are currently behind bars, and of course a Saudi journalist was grotesquely murdered by agents of the Saudi state less than two years ago.

“Looking ahead, there needs to be a rule change to ensure the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test provides proper scrutiny of the human rights records of those trying to buy into English football, not least when the buyers are governments or government representatives.

“We’ll be watching developments at St James’ Park with interest and meanwhile we wish Newcastle United and its fans well.”