A deal between Turki Alalshikh's Lion Sport and Derby County has collapsed, the club has confirmed. The proposed deal had been sanctioned by the English Football League and the Independent Football Regulator. It would have seen Alalshikh take a stake in the Championship club. However, the proposed deal raised concerns among human rights campaigners, including Amnesty International, due to Alalshikh's alleged involvement in 'sportswashing'.
Saudi Arabia has been accused of using sports to improve its image in the wider world, distracting from its human rights record, treatment of women, use of the death penalty, and its anti-LGBT stance. Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, has been linked to the Kingdom's de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman.
Alalshikh's recent ownership of Spanish side Almeria and Egyptian club Pyramids between 2018 and 2019 has also raised eyebrows. The Saudi Arabian government official sold Almeria to an investment group from Saudi Arabia last May.
Derby County has now confirmed that the club is "off the market" and will continue to operate under the support of Clowes Developments. The club's statement read: "For the benefit of any doubt, the club is now off the market. It will continue to operate under the loyal, committed and unwavering support of Clowes Developments."