Issues surrounding the ownership of Newcastle United face fresh controversy after it has emerged that the UK government could have actively attempted to influence the Premier League's decision to green-light the Saudi Public Investment Fund's (PIF) £300 million takeover of the club in October 2021.
When concluded, the takeover was subject to "legally binding assurances" from the new owners to the Premier League that the Saudi government would not be control investment in the Tyneside giants – but this has been called further into question.
