Kieran Maguire: Newcastle struck by ‘big blow’ after £550m Premier League twist
The Premier League’s decision to extend their TV deal with BeIN Sports has handed a ‘big blow’ to Newcastle United.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the unsuccessful relationship between the Premier League and the Qatari sports network.
As reported by the Daily Mail (4 April), the Premier League has agreed to extend their overseas TV contract for the Middle East and North Africa with BeIN Sports.
The deal is worth around £550million throughout its three-year extension.
Due to the ongoing tension between the Saudi Arabian government and Qatar, BeIN Sports is not broadcast in Saudi Arabia, meaning Newcastle cannot benefit from increased interest in the country following their PIF-funded takeover.
Maguire believes the deal is a ‘big blow’ for Newcastle, with the Middle East deemed to be a big growth area for the club to grow their revenue and fanbase.
“The Premier League’s relationship with BeIN has not been successful in the last few years,” Maguire told Football Insider.
“This is partly due to piracy issues in the region, so I think the Premier League will be willing to offer some concessions to BeIN.
“Interest in the Premier League will have expanded in the area following PIF’s takeover of Newcastle, so there is no doubt it is a growth area for all involved, but this new deal is a big blow for the Tyneside club.
“But a lot will depend on the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Qatar going forwards.“
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