Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness asserted that PIF (Saudi Public Investment Fund), the owners of Newcastle, would want to acquire a piece of streaming behemoth DAZN in order to advance their boxing, not football, interests.
The 66-year-old, who ran a football consultancy advising elite clubs after serving as CEO at Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009, stated the Magpies are restricted by Premier League regulations and cannot sell off rights to their top-flight games across the globe in an interview with Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast.
PIF is reportedly one of the possible bidders considering the acquisition of a minority stake in DAZN valued at over £750 million, according to a story published by Reuters on October7.
Along with having global broadcasting rights for the Premier League, DAZN is a partner for the Italian Serie A, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga, and French Ligue 1.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has developed into a major boxing destination, staging fights with fighters like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Newcastle owners PIF want to increase boxing reach, says Wyness
Wyness asserted that a possible investment in DAZN might be made with the intention of growing their boxing industry market share.
He said on the Insider Track podcast of Football Insider: “This might be more suited for boxing.
“Turki Al-Sheikh has been heavily interested in boxing lately, helping to promote numerous bouts.
It is more likely to target that market than football.
Although DAZN does have certain Premier League rights, there isn’t currently a problem in my opinion.
In order to close this deal, we must see the specifics.
The Premier League, which negotiates the television agreements for the entire league, binds Newcastle.
“Clubs are not allowed to bargain for their own fixtures.
“They could show pre-season tours if they existed, but that’s not a big money-spinner.”
READ MORE ON:https://sportip.co.uk/