Newcastle’s owners could be about to agree ‘£750m+’ deal – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Newcastle owners PIF (Saudi Public Investment Fund) may move to take a stake in streaming giant DAZN to further their boxing interests, not football.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted the Magpies are bound by Premier League rules and cannot sell off rights to their top-flight games across the world.
Reuters reported earlier this month (7 October) that PIF are among potential bidders exploring the purchase of a minority stake in DAZN worth more than £750million.
DAZN is a broadcasting partner for Italy’s Serie A, Spain’s LaLiga, Germany’s Bundesliga and France’s Ligue 1 – and also has rights around the world for the Premier League.
Saudi Arabia has become a boxing hub in recent years, hosting bouts featuring the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Newcastle owners PIF want to increase boxing reach, says Wyness
Wyness insisted a potential investment in DAZN may be aimed at increasing their market share in the world of boxing.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “This may be geared more towards boxing.
“Turki Al-Sheikh is getting very involved in the boxing world recently, promoting a lot of fights.
“It will likely be aimed at that market rather than football.
“DAZN does have some Premier League rights, but I don’t see it as a conflict at this stage.
“We need to see the details if this deal is done.
“Newcastle are bound by the Premier League, who negotiate the broadcast deals for the whole league.
“Clubs don’t have the right to negotiate for their own games.
“If there were pre-season tours, they could show those – but that’s not a big money-spinner.”
In other news, major update on Newcastle signing Bournemouth star.
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