Leaked WhatsApp messages suggest that Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, had a substantial role in the acquisition of Newcastle United by the Public Investment Fund. Despite the Premier League’s assurances of PIF’s independence, concerns remain regarding Saudi influence and human rights. Amanda Staveley, the former minority owner, defends her communications, asserting compliance with legal obligations.
Recent revelations from leaked WhatsApp messages attributed to Amanda Staveley, the former minority co-owner of Newcastle United, suggest that Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), played a significant role in the acquisition of the football club. This £305 million transaction was finalized in October 2021 after receiving the Premier League’s assurances regarding the independence of the PIF from the Saudi state. Staveley, who exited the Newcastle board in July after divesting her shares, was instrumental in negotiating the sale from British retail mogul Mike Ashley. Reports indicate that Bin Salman was arguably the driving force behind the deal, raising concerns regarding his influence given his leadership role at PIF. Notably, in one of the leaked messages, Staveley warned Ashley’s representatives that “the Crown Prince is losing patience,” while also sharing updates about communications between the UK’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Bin Salman. Despite the ongoing scrutiny due to the Saudi government’s human rights record and past controversy involving the Crown Prince, Staveley, through her legal representatives, maintained that her comments regarding Bin Salman pertained solely to his position within the PIF. She defended the legality of the assurances provided to the Premier League, which stated the Saudi government would not exert control over Newcastle United. The Premier League, which has refrained from commenting further on this issue, confirmed at the time of the deal that it had received legally binding assurances about the separation between the club and the Saudi state. A spokesperson for the PIF reiterated that the underlying facts supporting these assurances remain unchanged, underscoring the ongoing debate about the extent of Saudi influence in UK sports, particularly in relation to allegations regarding the Crown Prince’s prior actions, including the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi – an allegation that Bin Salman has adamantly denied.
The controversy surrounding the Newcastle United takeover touches on larger themes regarding foreign ownership of Premier League clubs, particularly from nation-states with contentious human rights records. The sale was facilitated by the PIF, a sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, coming under intense scrutiny. Leaked communications reveal complex negotiations influenced by prominent figures, illustrating the interconnectedness of sports, politics, and finance in contemporary times. The Saudi government has been keen to enhance its global image through investments in Western sports, a strategy that has elicited widespread public and governmental concern in the United Kingdom.
In summary, leaked messages have raised questions about the level of involvement Mohammed bin Salman had in the Newcastle United takeover, igniting discussions about the implications of foreign ownership and influence in football. Staveley’s defense of her communications emphasizes her intention to comply with Premier League stipulations. However, the ongoing debate regarding the assurances provided by the Saudi government underscores a fragile intersection of business, politics, and ethics in high-stakes sports ownership.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
