The Premier League are not expected to stand in Saudi Arabia's way if investors agree deals to buy Manchester United AND Liverpool.
Saudi Arabia have confirmed they are interested in supporting takeovers for both clubs. Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) put the club up for sale at the beginning of November, with United's custodians the Glazers following suit on Tuesday.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) - Saudi Arabia's state-run sovereign wealth fund - supported a takeover of Newcastle in October 2021 and have since pumped millions of pounds into Eddie Howe's team. PIF own 80 per cent - a controlling share - of the Magpies.
Many United and Liverpool supporters are worried about Saudi Arabia's involvement in English football due to the country's poor human rights record. Same-sex relationships are outlawed and women's rights are curbed in Saudi Arabia, to name just two major issues.
There are also concerns that the English football could be monopolised if Saudi investors are allowed to buy United and Liverpool - the two biggest clubs in the country - but it's believed the Premier League are not willing to change their rules to block a deal.
As first reported by The Telegraph, the Premier League have no plans to add regulations to their owners' and directors' test (OADT). All 20 Premier League clubs are discussing the OADT, but there has been no mention of vetoing individuals based on their political record.
Do you think Saudi Arabia should be allowed to buy Manchester United and Liverpool? Let us know in the comments below!
Saudi Arabia's sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal told BBC Sport they would "definitely support" private sector Saudi bids. How they will offer that support is unclear. In Newcastle's case, that was purchasing a controlling stake in the club.
"From the private sector, I can't speak on their behalf, but there is a lot of interest and appetite and there's a lot of passion about football," said the Saudi chief. "It's the most-watched league in Saudi and the region and you have a lot of fans of the Premier League.
"We will definitely support it if any [Saudi] private sector comes in, because we know that's going to reflect positively on sports within the kingdom. But if there's an investor willing to do so and the numbers add up, why not?"
If United or Liverpool wanted to attract Saudi investors, the Premier League would need "legally binding assurances" that the Saudi Arabian government would not be the owners of the respective club. Newcastle were able to do this, despite PIF's involvement.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan is Newcastle's chairman, but he's also PIF's governor. The other 20 per cent of Newcastle is owned by Amanda Staveley - who led the takeover - and David and Simon Reuben. Staveley and Jamie Reuben - David's son - are directors of Newcastle.
Newcastle's fortunes have improved significantly since the takeover. They were in the Premier League's relegation zone 13 months ago but now find themselves third in the table - four points clear of United in fifth and eight in front of Liverpool in sixth.
