Human Rights Groups Challenge Premier League to Enforce New Ownership Rules

As part of their Owners’ and Directors’ Test, the Premier League now prohibits individuals who commit human rights abuses from owning or directing a club. The Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 guide the specified disqualifying events which also include violence, corruption, fraud, tax evasion, and hate crimes. Human rights groups challenge the league to enforce these new rules and ban abusers and nation states from controlling clubs in England.

Recently, human rights advocate group FairSquare commended these updates and said that it goes further than the British government’s recent white paper. However, they questioned whether this test would be effective in stopping human rights abusers from continuing to own and direct clubs. Many speculate that the Premier League will only ban individuals already sanctioned by the UK government. Nevertheless, this is a step in the right direction for the league.

The new rules apply pressure to review the decision to allow Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to take over Newcastle United. Additionally, the league is examining a bid from Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim to buy Manchester United. The bid has caused backlash due to Qatar’s human rights record and treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. Amnesty International UK’s economic affairs director, Peter Frankental, said the rules are a step in the right direction. However, it will only make a difference if powerful individuals linked to serious human rights violations overseas are barred from taking control of Premier League clubs and using them for state sportswashing.

The strengthened OADT is necessary for the Premier League to protect its image, reputation and values as the most-watched football league. Endorsing inclusivity is also essential to build a fanbase and cement their position as an international sports leader.