The takeover of Newcastle United remains in doubt after the Premier League were presented with a World Trade Organisation report ruling that the Saudi state is behind the illegal streaming of sports in the country.
Sportsmail understands that the 123-page document was presented to the League on May 11 but will not be published until June 16.
In it, the WTO are said to have made a direct link between the Saudi government and pirate service beoutQ, which illegally streams Premier League matches.
Given the Premier League has previously pursued legal action against Saudi Arabia and is thought to have contributed evidence to the WTO investigation, it has left them in a difficult position with regards the approval of the £300million deal, backed by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Sources close to the proposed takeover insist that any Saudi individuals subject to the owners’ and directors’ test have no ability to influence or fix broadcast piracy in the country and expect the League to recognise this.
However, those in opposition point to the fact that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - de facto leader of Saudi Arabia - is chairman of the PIF.
Sources suspect that any Premier League decision is likely to be delayed until next week and probably beyond as they examine the evidence and deal with the issues surrounding Project Restart.