Leaked messages suggest Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was significantly involved in Newcastle United’s takeover, raising concerns about the separation between the Saudi state and its Public Investment Fund (PIF). Amanda Staveley, who played a key role in the acquisition, noted pressure from bin Salman in her communications. The Premier League had previously received assurances regarding PIF’s autonomy from the Saudi government, though lingering questions remain post-acquisition.

Recent leaked WhatsApp messages from Amanda Staveley, the former minority co-owner of Newcastle United, indicate substantial involvement of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the club’s acquisition. Staveley, who sold her shares and exited Newcastle’s board in July, played a pivotal role in negotiating the £305 million deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), finalizing it in October 2021 after securing binding assurances regarding the separation of the Saudi state and its sovereign wealth fund. Given that bin Salman chairs the PIF, the reported messages raised significant concerns about his influence, notably highlighting the UK’s governmental engagement in the process. Staveley reportedly warned Mike Ashley’s team that “the Crown Prince is losing patience” and mentioned ongoing efforts to reassess his commitment to the deal. Additionally, she indicated that the UK’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia communicated with the Crown Prince on pertinent matters. The Premier League’s rigorous demands for clarity surrounding PIF’s independence from the Saudi government arose from previous controversies, including bin Salman’s alleged involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a claim he has denied. In response to the disclosures, Staveley clarified via her legal representation that references to bin Salman pertain solely to his role as chairman of the PIF, asserting that any implication of non-compliance with the assurances provided to the Premier League is unfounded. Following extensive inquiry, the Premier League affirmed in October 2021 that it had received legally binding assurances that Saudi Arabia would not exert control over Newcastle United. Staveley characterized the PIF as a “commercially driven investment fund” and expressed confidence that the definitive assurances had been respected since the transaction’s completion. Currently, PIF maintains an 85% ownership stake, with the Reuben Brothers holding the remaining 15%. Staveley’s ambition to secure a stake in Newcastle dates back several years, achieving a crucial connection in 2019 with Yasir al-Rumayyan, PIF’s governor and current Newcastle chairman, while on bin Salman’s yacht in the Red Sea. Reports from 2022 revealed the UK Government’s extensive involvement to promote the Saudi-led bid, with Staveley reportedly informing Ashley’s representatives that Number 10 could not further intervene aside from prior endorsements, albeit emphasizing a strong preference to endorse the transaction due to potential repercussions on future investments in the UK.

The takeover of Newcastle United by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) was a significant event in the football world, especially given the controversies surrounding the Saudi regime’s human rights record. The involvement of Mohammed bin Salman, the heir to the Saudi throne, as chairman of the PIF raised questions about the level of government control over the club. Amanda Staveley played a critical role in facilitating this £305 million transaction, but post-acquisition reports suggested that the nature of Saudi influence and the UK government’s role warranted scrutiny. This situation unfolded against a backdrop of geopolitical considerations and concerns about the implications of foreign ownership in English football.

The leaked messages from Amanda Staveley have reignited discussions about the level of involvement and influence that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had during the Newcastle United takeover. Despite the assurances provided to the Premier League about the PIF’s independence from the Saudi state, the tension between foreign investment and the geopolitical implications remains a point of contention. As ownership structures evolve, the unfolding narrative concerning Newcastle United and its ties to the Saudi government raises critical questions about governance in sports and the role of state-owned enterprises in major league franchises.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com

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