It was revealed that Saudi Arabia was involved in the recruitment of the Newcastle team at a national level. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has so far denied the theory of state intervention, the Premier League Secretariat, which approved the acquisition of Newcastle, and the British government, which was later revealed to have exercised influence in the process, are all in an awkward situation.
The Guardian reported on the 21st that “messages containing the content that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was deeply involved in the acquisition of Newcastle United in the English Premier League were leaked.”
The acquisition of Newcastle United was carried out through the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. The content of former Newcastle stakeholder Amanda Staveley‘s WhatsApp conversation has been revealed, and the gist of the report is that it has once again been highlighted that Crown Prince Bin Salman exerted influence over the Newcastle acquisition process. Staveley owned a 10% stake in the club at the time the acquisition was promoted.
Staveley will step down from Newcastle’s board in July 2024 after selling his stake. PIF concluded an acquisition deal worth 305 million pounds. The deal was finalized in October 2021 after the Premier League Secretariat received written legal assurances that there was no link between the Saudi Arabian state and the sovereign wealth fund. At the time, PIF emphasized several times that it had no direct relationship with the Saudi government. Currently, PIF owns 85% of the club’s shares, while real estate developers Ruben brothers own the remaining 15%.
Bin Salman is the chairman of the PIF. That is why it has raised so many doubts. According to Staveley’s message, bin Salman played a key role in the acquisition of Newcastle United from British retail tycoon Mike Ashley, and there was British government involvement. In one message, Staley warned Ashley that “the Crown Prince is losing patience.” Another message stated that there had been “an attempt to persuade the Crown Prince not to withdraw.” Another message said: “The Saudi Ambassador to the UK spoke to the Crown Prince this morning.” These facts suggest that there is a close connection between the Saudi government and the acquisition of Newcastle. Foreign governments are not banned from owning Premier League clubs, but Saudi Arabia’s history of disregard for human rights has raised serious concerns about Saudi ownership of Newcastle. The Guardian reported, “Questions are also being raised about the document guaranteeing separation between the Saudi state and the PIF submitted to the Premier League.”
Staveley said, “The reason I mentioned bin Salman was because of his position as PIF chairman,” and argued, “Raising questions about PIF independence is illogical and misinterpreted.” The Premier League has not yet released a statement.
