Formula One is on the verge of signing a UK£50 million (US$65 million) a year deal to stage a Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia, possibly as early as next year, according to the Daily Mail. These include guarantees on human rights, women’s rights and the freedom of the press. As well as rights concerns, Formula One has been criticised for essentially legitimising piracy in Saudi Arabia. BeIN has consistently complained pirate broadcasting in the kingdom had undermined its MENA exclusivity, with viewers in Saudi Arabia able to watch illegal Formula One broadcasts for free. BeIN chief executive Yousef Al-Obaidly said: “Speaking as the biggest buyer of media rights in world sport, this is nothing to do with politics.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 15, 2020 14:15 UTC