Newcastle confirm £300m Saudi-backed takeover to end Mike Ashley era

• Premier League says Saudi Arabia will not control Newcastle'
• Strong backlash from human rights groups

Newcastle United have confirmed the club's takeover by a Saudi Arabian-led consortium, ending Mike Ashley's 14-year ownership.

The controversial 300m deal received Premier League approval almost 18 months after it was first proposed. It hands the keys of St James' Park to owners capable of transforming Newcastle into one of the world's wealthiest clubs and follows the news that Saudi Arabia has lifted its fouryear ban on sports channel network beIN Sports. This allows Premier League, Uefa and Fifa matches to be broadcast legally again, and the Gulf kingdom has also promised to close pirate websites operating in the country.