Is Newcastle United’s Season in Jeopardy?
Yasir al-Rumayyan, chairman of Newcastle United’s ownership group the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has been described in a US court document as “a sitting minister of the Saudi government”.
This recent event, brought forth in the ongoing legal battle between the PGA tour and LIV Golf, has caused many Premier League clubs to urge the topic be held for discussion in the next shareholders’ meeting on March 30. PIF holds an 80% ownership, while Amanda Staveley and the Reuben Brother each hold a 10% stake.
PIF has also been described in the court as “a sovereign instrumentality of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”.
Amnesty International, a UK headquartered international body that focuses on human rights, has urged the Premier League to re-examine the ownership of the Mags.
When the takeover happened in October 2021 Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “The Premier League has now received legally binding assurances that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not control Newcastle United Football Club.”
The PIF is chaired by Saudi crowned Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The Premier League, Newcastle United and PIF have refused to comment on the issue.
This current issue could cast doubt on how the Glazer family will continue possible negotiations with Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, a member of the Qatari royal family, once they decide to continue finding a suitable owner to take over the club.
