By Kieran Maguire

23rd Mar, 2023 | 3:11pm

Kieran Maguire issues 'blockbuster' prediction as Newcastle and Saudi Arabia hit by 'big blow'

Saudi Arabia expanded their sports portfolio by purchasing Newcastle United and will continue their push to host the World Cup.

That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about Saudi Arabia’s ‘blow’ to their World Cup hosting chances.

Saudi Arabia launched a joint bid with Greece and Egypt to host the 2030 World Cup, but have fallen behind the bid from Spain, Portugal and Morocco after the latter joined their proposal earlier this month.

The Middle Eastern nation has become a hub for sports events in recent years, with boxing, motorsports and football all holding major events in Saudi Arabia in recent years.

Newcastle United were taken over by Saudi Arabia-backed PIF in 2021, and the Magpies have travelled to the nation for various training camps since the change in ownership.

Maguire believes the acquisition of Newcastle helped elevate Saudi Arabia as a sporting nation, and predicts that they could return with a ‘blockbuster’ proposal for the World Cup if they don’t win the 2030 bid.

“We’ve seen Saudi Arabia just sign a deal in regard to hosting the Italian Super Cup as their latest sporting event,” Maguire told Football Insider.

“There is no doubt that they are diversifying revenue streams and elevating Saudi Arabia as a destination hub and they expanded their portfolio with the purchase of Newcastle United too.

“Morocco joining Spain and Portugal’s bid is a big blow but it will only delay Saudi Arabia’s attempt at hosting the World Cup, and if anything they could return with an even more blockbuster proposal.

“They are set on eventually hosting the World Cup and will continue presenting ideas to Fifa.“

In other news, Newcastle backed to complete marquee James Maddison signing after source’s reveal