![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Public_Investment_Fund_%2528Saudi_Arabia%2529_logo.svg/640px-Public_Investment_Fund_%2528Saudi_Arabia%2529_logo.svg.png&w=640&q=50)
2021 takeover of Newcastle United F.C.
Takeover of Newcastle United Football Club / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about 2021 takeover of Newcastle United?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
The 2021 takeover of Newcastle United F.C. by a consortium of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners, and the Reuben Brothers was a takeover proceeding that commenced in April 2020 and was successfully concluded in October 2021.[1][2]
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Public_Investment_Fund_%28Saudi_Arabia%29_logo.svg/200px-Public_Investment_Fund_%28Saudi_Arabia%29_logo.svg.png)
The takeover process gained notoriety for allegations of improper conduct against the Premier League through a purported deliberate misapplication of its Owners' and Directors' test to block the deal, following allegations of undue influence from the Qatari-owned beIN Sports (with whom Saudi Arabia have strained bilateral relations) and rival clubs to Newcastle United.[3] Wider debates ensued regarding fan privacy,[4] impact on the Premier League and UK-Saudi Arabia relations, and perceived sportswashing.[5] After interventions from then-Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson,[6] and the governments of Saudi Arabia and Qatar,[7][8] the takeover process lasted for 18 months, and was completed in October 2021.[9][1]
Supporters of the takeover argued opposition to the deal stemmed from racism against Saudi Arabia,[10][better source needed] citing lack of uproar over other, similar takeovers, while most Newcastle United fans argued the takeover would enable greater investment in the Tyneside region, which has seen historic underdevelopment.[11] A UK nationwide survey found a majority of football fans did not consider the takeover to be a bad influence on football.[12][better source needed] Others pointed to the potential of strengthening the diplomatic ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia, likely increased emphasis by Saudi Arabia on their grassroots football, and reduction in Islamophobia in the UK.[13]