Questions raised over Saudi government role in Newcastle United after 'MbS messages' leak

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman could have played a key role in the takeover of Newcastle United, a new report has revealed, despite assurances that Riyadh would keep its distance from the day-to-day management of the Premier League club.

Leaked WhatsApp messages from Amanda Staveley, a former high-profile shareholder in Newcastle United, to Sports Direct head Mike Ashley's team, who owned the club at the time, indicate that MbS played an active role in the state-owned Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquisition of the Premier League side.

Staveley was a key figure in the PIF team that secured Riyadh's purchase of a 80 percent stake in Newcastle from Ashley, a hugely popular move among the Toon Army. 

The leaked messages, however, add questions about the possible role the Saudi government is playing behind the scenes, despite assurances to the Premier League that Riyadh would not be active in operations at Newcastle.

In one message to Ashley's team, Staveley said "the Crown Prince is losing patience", according to The Daily Telegraph, and she was trying to "convince the Crown Prince not to pull out" of the bid.

It follows a lengthy takeover process, in part due to reservations about potential Saudi government interference in the management of the Premier League side and Riyadh's human rights record, ending with the PIF purchasing the majority shares for £300 million in 2021.

Human rights groups claimed this was engineered to "sportswash" the kingdom's image although Riyadh insists its efforts were to diversify its sovereign wealth fund portfolio, as it attempts to move away from a reliance on oil and gas.

Staveley insists MbS is only mentioned in the messages in reference to his role as chairman of the PIF, which holds assets of nearly $1 trillion and includes stakes in Heathrow Airport, Uber, and four Saudi Pro League teams.

The PIF said in a statement regarding the report: "In October 2021, following a lengthy investigation, the Premier League announced that the sale of Newcastle United had completed following the receipt of assurances that the government of Saudi Arabia would not control the club.

"The facts and circumstances that underpin those assurances, as confirmed at the time to the Premier League, remain unchanged."

The Premier League said on Monday it is not reconsidering the legality of the Saudi takeover of Newcastle.

Saudi Arabia has made a major push to boost its presence in the sports world, including hosting top events such as the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Saudi Arabian Snooker Masters, major boxing bouts, and the 2034 World Cup.

This kingdom is said to be keen to boost investments in major sports due to potential lucrative returns, branding for new Saudi mega-projects, provide more entertainment options for young Saudis and tourists, and to promote healthy living among its population.

The Saudi national team has played two friendlies at St. James Park in Newcastle, hosted the Newcastle United team for pre-season training, while the Premier League side appears to have been inspired by the Green Falcons' green home colours when designing their 'third kit'.