Newcastle United are set to be taken over by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in a £300 million deal meaning the Magpies are pretty soon going to mingle with the big boys of the English Premier League.
The PIF which is headed up by Saudi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will acquire an 80 per cent stake in the club but not everyone seems to be happy with this deal. A number of human rights organisations have raised their voices against this takeover which has led to fears that the deal might eventually collapse.
But now it looks like the owners have received significant backing from the Newcastle United Supporters Trust with almost all their fans voting in favour of the move – according to a report in the Chronicle.
The report states: “A Trust survey has found 96.7% of their members are in favour of the proposed takeover by Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners, along with the Reuben Brothers and the Saudi Arabian PiF.
“As concerns are lodged with the Premier League from human rights organisations, Amnesty International and BeIN Sports, the NUST have published the results of a wide-ranging survey which saw 3,397 fans answer.
“And that stated that:
- 96.7% of fans want the takeover
- 52% of fans surveyed would return to St James’ Park under new ownership
- 53.1% want fan representation on the board
- the biggest priority is investment in the squad, followed by improving relations with fans.”
Alex Hurst, Trust chairman, said: “This survey shows that the appetite for change at Newcastle United is enormous and we would hope the alleged new owners recognise the passion for this takeover and the need for radical change in how the club is run.
“We have had no formal contact from any new owners at this time which is to be expected as a sale is not yet completed. We will continue to survey member thoughts on the club and how it should be run when a sale is completed and are hopeful of a strong relationship with new owners as soon as they have control of the club.
“We have spoken up for members this week in the media and told those organisations in touch with the Trust that the Trust has always judged owners of the football club on their record with the football club.
“It is not fair to ask Newcastle United fans to comment on matters which they have no power and we have said as much this week to media from around the world.”
Clearly, there has been widespread opposition regarding this takeover but the possible new owners seem to have the full backing of the Newcastle United supporters.
But these fans have also made it clear that they expect the new owners to make significant investments into the squad during the coming years.
Newcastle United were once a powerhouse in the Premier League but during the past years, they have seen really tough times. And hence while the fans are very much aware of the human rights violations that Saudia Arabia has been accused of they are still willing to stand beside their new owners given that their demands are fulfilled.
