The World Trade Organisation responds to claims over reports regarding Saudi Arabia and TV piracy

Newcastle United fans are awaiting news on the buy-out of the club but have still yet to receive a positive outcome

The World Trade Organisation has responded to questions regarding Saudi Arabia and TV piracy after claims that its report looking into TV piracy in the Middle East has found that the Saudi Arabia government is behind it.

If the claims, which were broken by the Guardian Newspaper, are true, it could provide a major obstacle to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund getting the green light from the Premier League to sign their buy-out of Newcastle United off.

The WTO confirmed to Chronicle Live that a panel has been looking into the actions of TV piracy within Saudi Arabia since December 2018 - three months after neighbouring Qatar raised concerns.

The purpose of the WTO is to ensure that its 164 members trade fairly and do not put any other country at a disadvantage when it comes to business.

Interestingly though, the WTO states it does not settle trade disputes which arise out of political conflict - something those in Saudi may point to given the geopolitics in the region, and the ever fiery relationship between the Kingdom and Qatar.

In a statement to Chronicle Live, the WTO stated: "We can confirm that Qatar initiated a WTO dispute settlement case against Saudi Arabia in October 2018 regarding the protection of intellectual property rights and that a panel was established in December 2018 to review Qatar’s claims.

"The panel proceedings and panel process remain confidential until the final report is circulated to WTO members."

The Public Investment Fund is looking to purchase an 80 per-cent stake in Newcastle United, with the remaining 20 per-cent thought to be split between Amanda Staveley, and the Reuben Brothers.

Despite reports of further delay in the deal, sources close to buying side still maintain an expectation it will be signed off.