EPL agrees new rules for owners to be DISQUALIFIED over human rights abuses

Individuals found to have committed human rights abuses will be unable to be an owner or director of a Premier League club under new rules approved by the English top flight on Thursday.

Human rights abuses, based on the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020, will now be one of a number of additional 'Disqualifying Events' under a beefed-up owners' and directors' test (OADT).

The league also now has the power to block people from becoming directors where they are under investigation for conduct that would result in a 'disqualifying event' if proven.

The rule changes come amid growing pressure on the Premier League to probe Newcastle for an explanation over their majority shareholders, Saudi's Public Investment Fund, telling US legal authorities they are effectively an instrument of the country's state.

Last year it was revealed that top-flight chiefs were considering adding a human rights component to the OADT following a review into their regulation.

At least 14 votes were required from the league's 20 clubs to make the necessary changes, which the Premier League confirmed in a statement on Thursday.

A total of six key changes have been implemented as part of the shake-up, featuring a new range of 'Disqualifying Events' which have been added to the test.

Those Disqualifying Events are subject to Government sanctioning of individuals/companies and human rights abuses based on Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020.

The Premier League has also extended the list of criminal offences resulting in disqualification to include offences involving violence, corruption, fraud, tax evasion and hate crimes.

The list of regulatory authorities has been increased, with suspensions from the Charity Commission, FCA, Prudential Conduct Authority, HMRC and Gambling Commission now resulting in disqualification.

League officials are also able to take actions against individuals involved in previous insolvencies 'in a wider range of circumstances'.

There will also be 'greater clarity and transparency' in the process of assessing and approving potential takeovers in the future.

The Premier League has faced strong criticism in the past from Amnesty International for allowing Saudi's PIF to lead a takeover of Newcastle, despite the country's appalling human rights record.