An investment deal for Derby County, involving Saudi Arabia government official Turki Al-Sheikh, could be finalised as early as next week. The proposed deal has been with English football's independent regulator since May.
Final checks are set to take place, and the investment is expected to receive approval in the coming days, according to BBC Radio Derby. Al-Sheikh, who is the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, is interested in acquiring a stake in the Championship club.
The deal has prompted concerns from human rights campaigners, including Amnesty International. Last month, Amnesty International stated that the independent regulator faced a "defining test" regarding the investment. Human rights groups have criticised Al-Sheikh for his role in alleged 'sportswashing', a practice where Saudi Arabia is accused of using sports to improve its international image amidst a poor human rights record.
Al-Sheikh has previously owned Egyptian club Pyramids and Spanish side Almeria, which he sold to a Saudi Arabian investment group last May. The Independent Football Regulator, Derby County, and Al-Sheikh have all declined to comment on the matter.