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Newcastle United Deal Chances Lifted by End of Saudi, Qatar Spat

  • Decision on ending BeIn ban could be made in coming weeks
  • Move could pave way for Saudi takeover of Newcastle United FC
Newcastle player Allan Saint-Maximin during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leeds United in Newcastle, U.K., on Sept. 17.

Newcastle player Allan Saint-Maximin during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leeds United in Newcastle, U.K., on Sept. 17.

Photographer: Stu Forster/Getty Images 

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A takeover of historic U.K. soccer team Newcastle United FC by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund could be back on, with the kingdom said to be close to removing a major obstacle to the deal.

Saudi Arabia is close to formally lifting a ban on BeIn Media Group, according to a person familiar with the matter. A decision could come as soon as the coming weeks, allowing BeIn to begin selling subscriptions to its sports content in the kingdom, the person said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information. Talks are ongoing and could still fall apart, they said.