Supporters witnessed a potentially major power play today when Majed Al Sorour was confirmed as a director at Newcastle United. Updated records on Companies House show the Saudi Arabian citizen was appointed to the board on May 12 - the first major change upstairs since the £300million takeover was approved last October.
But who is Al Sorour? Fans may be wondering why such an appointment has occured before the end of the season. ChronicleLive profiles the new addition to the St James’ Park boardroom.
Background
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Al Sorour was a professional footballer and played for Saudi outfit Al Nassr. He later became a director at the club before moving into business.
Al Sorour rose through the ranks in Saudi to become an influential figure in the Middle East and is an colleague of United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the Governor of PIF.
What does Majed Al Sorour do now?
Al Sorour is the chief executive of the Saudi Golf Federation, leading the charge for the nation’s ambitions to become, in his words, “a global destination for golf”. Plans to create a breakaway league have plagued the recent golfing agenda.
A lucrative Saudi Golf League - similar to the European Super League fiasco in football - threatens to split the sport, with the PGA warning players of the consequences if they choose to participate. Newcastle’s new board member had previously stated his goal is to make golf accessible for all citizens of Saudi Arabia in the next decade, citing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 to diversify the economy away from oil dependence.
What does this mean for Newcastle?
The good news for Newcastle fans is how this signals PIF’s serious intent to become successful. Making moves to expand the club commercially before the end of the season proves the majority shareholders mean business and will not settle for a sideline role.
It is unclear exactly what Al Sorour’s role at the club will be. There has been no official statement released from Newcastle since the Companies House change to clarify what looks like a seismic change in the boardroom.
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
