Newcastle takeover live: Latest news as Saudi-led consortium complete deal for Premier League club
Summary
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Newcastle United’s completed takeover.
A saga that dragged on for 18 months and saw the club embroiled in legal disputes with the Premier League has finally been resolved and the group, led by Amanda Staveley, the British businesswoman, have brought to an end Mike Ashley’s 14-year ownership of Newcastle.
The news arrives after Saudi Arabia indicated on Wednesday it would lift its ban on broadcaster beIN SPORTS. beIN, a Qatari network, has been unable to broadcast in Saudi Arabia for the last four and a half years as part of a diplomatic dispute between the two nations.
Stick with us all for all the latest developments from this breaking news story.
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Hear from Amanda Staveley
The new executive at Newcastle spoke to The Athletic's George Caulkin about her ambitions from the club, Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer...
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The takeover raises important questions
The involvement of the state of Saudi Arabia in the takeover of Newcastle United raises important questions about the rights of minorities in the country and how we perceive them in the UK and the football world.
This is what United with Pride, the club's official LGBT+ group, said on the takeover:
And if that's not enough
The latest episode of Pod On The Tyne will certainly fulfill your Newcastle takeover needs.
If podcasts are more your thing
The Totally Football Show has you covered.
Join James Richardson, Rory Smith, Adrian Clarke and Duncan Alexander as they discuss the Newcastle takeover.
What a manic 24 hours it’s been…
Although, technically, only one thing has happened, it feels like a lot more than that.
The beIN digital piracy battle — arguably the final hurdle before completion.
Newcastle’s takeover finally went through — a historic moment.
Club legend Alan Shearer gave his take — “excited, but conflicted”.
An interview with Amanda Staveley — on her plans for the club.
Mike Ashley’s 14-year reign finally ended — judge his tenure as you will.
Important not to forget the political issues — why Saudi Arabia wanted to buy Newcastle.
‘Sportswashing’ will continue to dominate the discourse — is the takeover ethical?
Newcastle fans, have your say on the takeover.
After an 18-month saga which many thought many never conclude, what comes next?
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The Ballon d'Or nominees have been announced...
...any names on here you fancy in the January transfer window, Newcastle fans?
Why not dream a little?
Have your say on the takeover!
The Athletic has launched a survey for Newcastle fans to give their thoughts on the Saudi Arabia-backed takeover.
Fill it in below.
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ICYMI: Shearer is 'conflicted' on the takeover
The Newcastle takeover is one of football's most controversial moments in recent history, with the idea of sportswashing at the forefront.
Club legend Alan Shearer, in his latest column for The Athletic has said he is "excited" but "conflicted" about the new era.
For the full column, click below.
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More against the idea of sportswashing
Areej Al Sadhan, whose brother Abdul Rahman al Sadhan was jailed for criticising Saudi’s rulers, said: “To every member of the Newcastle United women’s football team, I say please spare a moment before your next game to remember the women of Saudi Arabia who are among the most oppressed in the world.
“Please remember the forgotten women currently imprison for daring to express their views or who are being punished to silence others. Think also of the children who have been detained by Crown Prince MBS to punish overseas Saudis.”
A new episode of Pod On The Tyne
If podcasts are your thing, this one is a belter.
The latest episode of Pod On The Tyne has everything you need to know after an emotional 24 hours in the north East
Relatives of persecuted Saudis speak out against takeover
UK-based Abdullah al Ghamdi, who fled into exile in 2000, said: “Today I, on the behalf of the many ordinary Saudi citizens suffering under the iron fist rule of Newcastle United’s new owner, make a heartfelt plea to all football supporters and players at St James Park to put pressure on the Saudi Government to release all those victims of its relentless crackdown.
“I implore Newcastle fans and players not to become de facto apologists for the rulers in Saudi Arabia. I urge them to now use their powerful and famous voices to call from the terraces and demand Mohammed bin Salman releases all prisoners of conscience and to offer proof of life for those who have disappeared.”
Remember the actual football!
There's lots of talk about what will happen to Newcastle in the long term, and even with the January transfer window in the not-too-distant future, let's not forget that they still have to play football matches.
Joe Willock has not scored since returning to Tyneside on a permanent deal and it is imperative that Newcastle get him firing if they are to improve on their current standing of 19th in the Premier League.
The Athletic's Chris Waugh has more below.
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Statement from Newcastle LGBT+ supporters group
United With Pride, Newcastle's LGBT+ supporters group have released a statement after the club's takeover by Saudi Arabian owners.
As same-sex marriage is not permitted, same-sex intimacy is criminalised in the country.
ICYMI: Alan Shearer
Geordie royalty Alan Shearer has shared his thoughts on yesterday's takeover for The Athletic. With the lunch break approaching (and it being a Friday), take a few minutes out of your day now.
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