Cup triumph a 'tainted victory' say PIF critics

NEWCASTLE City Council has defended seeking investment from Saudi Arabia, after accusations that its reputation is being "dragged through the mud" because of connections to the Middle East nation.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

The city's links to the Gulf state have become a major talking point since Newcastle United's takeover in 2021 by a consortium led by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), with human rights campaigners alleging that the kingdom is using the football club to "sportswash" its international image. Those concerns have been highlighted recently by the Magpies' historic Carabao Cup win, particularly with club chairman and PIF governor Yasir al-Rumayyan pictured holding the trophy aloft at Wembley alongside NUFC players.

Supporters opposing the PIF's involvement at St James' Park have branded the cup triumph a "tainted victory', highlighting cases like that of Manahel al-Otaibi - the Saudi fitness instructor serving an 11-year prison sentence for promoting women's rights and posting photos of herself on social media without wearing traditional clothing.