Overview

• Leaked WhatsApp messages indicate Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had significant control over Newcastle United's takeover by the Public Investment Fund.
• The Premier League initially blocked the sale due to concerns over state control but later approved it after receiving assurances of PIF's independence.
• The revelations have intensified debates over state influence in English football, with rival clubs pushing for stricter ownership rules.
• Amanda Staveley, who brokered the deal, has since exited Newcastle and is exploring investment opportunities elsewhere, including Tottenham Hotspur.
• The controversy highlights ongoing tensions within the Premier League regarding foreign investments and the implications for club governance.