What does the Saudi Arabia PIF's change in approach mean for Newcastle?

Sahadan kritik gelişmeler geliyor. What does PIF's change in approach mean for Newcastle? Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund bought a majority stake in Newcastle United in 2021 By Ciaran Kelly , Newcastle United reporter and Dan Roan , Sports editor Published 19 minutes ago Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) set out to disrupt, but the fund has sent tremors through the world of sport in a very different way this week. On Wednesday, Yasir Al-Rumayyan - the fund's governor and chairman of Newcastle United - confirmed PIF were reviewing "some deals and investments".

"Whether due to the war or reasons related to economic feasibility, we continuously reassess our priorities," he told the state-owned Al Arabiya news channel. Those words were uttered in a week PIF sold a 70% share in Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for £276m. They were voiced amid mounting speculation that the fund is to withdraw its backing for LIV Golf.

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But what about Newcastle ? A very different investment to LIV Golf Speculation has inevitably intensified that the PIF may look to reduce or end its funding in some of its other sports investments. Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund's newly-unveiled strategy for 2026 to 2030 has placed an emphasis on more sustainable investments after the country recorded a major budget deficit of $73bn last year, driven by increased spending and lower oil revenues.

This position also appears to have been accelerated by the Iran war, which has caused disruption to Saudi Arabia's oil exportation. But even before that, there was a clear sense that there had been a shift in approach, with budgets being tightened, and the vast expenditure connected to the 2034 World Cup prioritised ahead of other sports investments. However, one source familiar with PIF has told Sport that its divesting of its stake in Al-Hilal was always the intention, and that those in charge remained totally committed to Newcastle , who the fund own a majority stake in.

They insisted that the sale should not be interpreted as a sign of weakened interest in its sporting portfolio, which remains a key part of the country's plans as it seeks to boost tourism, diversify the economy, and improve the reputation of the country. Newcastle 's hierarchy have also been personally informed that the club are unaffected. Those at the top speak to PIF every day, and nothing has changed from their perspective.

A PIF delegation is due on Tyneside the week after next, as planned, while an announcement on a major capital investment is understood to be in the pipeline. Newcastle are one of the smaller investments in PIF's portfolio and, conversely, senior figures at the club have always maintained it is also one of the fund's biggest in terms of engagement. Given the top flight and Uefa's respective financial rules, which limit spending, this was always viewed as a long-term project following the takeover in 2021.

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