WTO verdict on Toon takeover TV piracy probe due in June

NEWCASTLE United’s would-be buyers will discover the outcome of the World Trade Organisation’s probe into piracy claims on June 16.

The 123-page document is believed to hold the answers on who is responsible for pirate service beoutQ in Saudi Arabia, with buyers the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) said to be confident of no links with the operation.

PIF, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers are still waiting for

Premier League approval of their bid to buy Newcastle from Mike Ashley, with the owner’s and director’s test still paused at the latter stages amid a public debate on whether the deal should go through.

United’s would-be backers from Saudi Arabia are facing questions from the Premier League about the suggested links with illegal streaming.

Premier League chiefs have again insisted that they can’t comment on the record about the takeover process, which has now rolled over into a third month.

There has been talk of a second bidder in the form of American-based businessman Henry Mauriss, with his lawyers claiming over the weekend that he would be confident of passing Premier League tests.

However, Newcastle’s current regime have been told – for now – it is business as usual behind the scenes at St James’ Park.

Staff are making plans for the first game back after Project Restart against Sheffield United on June 21, while recruitment work has resumed with chief scout Steve Nickson assessing targets for the 2020/21 season.

Andy Carroll also has a scheduled contract meeting later this month with the current regime.

Meanwhile, Staveley’s High Court battle with Barclays starts this week but the final judgement is not expected until October.