2021 takeover of Newcastle United F.C.

The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia purchased an 80% stake in Newcastle United[1]

The 2021 takeover of Newcastle United F.C. by a consortium of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners, and the Reuben Brothers was a takeover proceeding that commenced in April 2020 and was successfully concluded in October 2021.[1][2]

The takeover process gained notoriety for allegations of improper conduct against the Premier League through a purported deliberate misapplication of its Owners' and Directors' test to block the deal, following allegations of undue influence from the Qatari-owned beIN Sports (with whom Saudi Arabia have strained bilateral relations) and rival clubs to Newcastle United.[3] Wider debates ensued regarding fan privacy,[4] impact on the Premier League and UK-Saudi Arabia relations, and perceived sportswashing.[5] After interventions from then-Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson,[6] and the governments of Saudi Arabia and Qatar,[7][8] the takeover process lasted for 18 months, and was completed in October 2021.[9][1]

Supporters of the takeover argued opposition to the deal stemmed from racism against Saudi Arabia,[10][better source needed] citing lack of uproar over other, similar takeovers, while most Newcastle United fans argued the takeover would enable greater investment in the Tyneside region, which has seen historic underdevelopment.[11] A UK nationwide survey found a majority of football fans did not consider the takeover to be a bad influence on football.[12][better source needed] Others pointed to the potential of strengthening the diplomatic ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia, likely increased emphasis by Saudi Arabia on their grassroots football, and reduction in Islamophobia in the UK.[13]

  1. ^ a b c "Newcastle takeover completed: Saudi-led consortium end Mike Ashley's 14-year ownership". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2021-10-07.
  2. ^ "Newcastle United takeover deal worth £300m close". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference BBC6 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Newcastle takeover could be complicated by WTO ruling on Saudi Arabia". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  5. ^ "UK: Premier League must consider Saudi human rights situation in Newcastle United deal". Amnesty International UK. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  6. ^ "Newcastle: Boris Johnson backs calls for Premier League statement on failed takeover". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference SkySports1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ "Saudi takeover of Newcastle United hinges on lifting blockade on Qatar". Middle East Monitor. 8 June 2020. Retrieved 2021-09-02.
  9. ^ Slater, Matt. "Explained: What is football's fit and proper person test?". The New York Times. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
  10. ^ "Newcastle's Saudi takeover will cause faux morality of football to collapse | Barney Ronay". the Guardian. 2021-10-07. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  11. ^ "North East England can bounce back from Covid and Brexit". The Federal Trust. 2021-03-17. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  12. ^ "Overwhelming majority of football fans believe Newcastle United's takeover was a good thing". Evening Chronicle. Retrieved 2021-11-19.
  13. ^ "Saudi PIF-Newcastle takeover about more than soft power: Riyadh, Tyneside to benefit". Al Arabiya English. 2021-11-08. Retrieved 2022-11-22.