Saudi saga takes twist

FIFA president Gianni Infantino went to Saudi Arabia this week and appeared in a government PR video.

He raved about the “incredible” culture, and spoke of “breathing the greatness of this country”.

In a film released by the country’s ministry of sport, Infantino (below) insisted: “Saudi football is in excellent hands... we are cooperating to be at an even higher level.”

Saudi footballing ambitions – good enough for FIFA’S top man, but not good enough to own a Premier League club like Newcastle United.

That will be the cynical, and understandable, response from Tyneside fans this weekend.

Infantino even met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, chairman of the Public Investment Fund that wanted to spend £300million on Newcastle United, until the deal stalled indefinitely in July.

It is time for an endgame to be negotiated in the saga of St James’ Park, the Saudis and Mike Ashley.

Hopes that the deal can be rekindled have been raised by a thawing in diplomatic relations between the Saudis and Qatar.

But did Infantino open up a pathway? Did he raise FIFA being denied access to the Saudi legal system to stop their pirate broadcast operation beoutq? Did he insist the Saudis must lift their ban on Premier League broadcast partner, Qatarbased bein Sports? He should have.

The takeover stands no chance of going through until the Saudis allow top-flight games to be shown legally.

That is now said to be a top issue for the UK government, made ade more important since bein penned ned a new $500m deal to 2025.

While Infantino raves, the e Premier League is waiting to see what hat the Saudis actually DO to rehabilitate abilitate their reputation, with their r takeover legal rows pending.