Evan Lloyd

Thu 16 April 2026 11:15, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Newcastle United’s future under the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been called into question amid new reports surrounding LIV Golf.

Launched in 2022, LIV Golf is a rebel league backed by PIF to the tune of over £3.7billion in an attempt to overthrow the US-based PGA Tour.

Huge names such as Bryan DeChambeau and Jon Rahm were offered extraordinary amounts of money to join the new league, which has drawn comparisons to the attempted European Super League in 2021.

But the league, run by Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, has been plunged into doubt amid reports that PIF could be set to pull their funding.

An emergency meeting has reportedly now been held, with the news set to cause some concerns for Newcastle chiefs at St James’ Park.

What does PIF action mean for Newcastle?

Luckily for fans, Football Insider exclusively revealed on Thursday that PIF will invest in Newcastle this summer, ahead of a big transfer window at St James’ Park.

It has been a difficult season for the Magpies, who struggled with a tumultuous last summer and could still make a change in the dugout in the coming weeks.

Eddie Howe has faced mounting questions over the past few weeks, amid an extremely disappointing campaign.

But immediate concerns will be with Wednesday’s reports. The Telegraph revealed that an emergency meeting had been called among league executives amid rumours that PIF were considering pulling their funding.

Officials have since reaffirmed that LIV Golf’s events will continue to go ahead, with players confirming that they have not been told of any imminent change in plans.

But the reports appear to have placed the league on tenterhooks, and the feeling could well drift to Newcastle.

While a vastly different type of investment, some decision-makers at St James’ Park will be left thinking: If they can do it to them, why not us?

Nothing to fear at Newcastle for now

PIF have never shown any sign of wanting to give up its ownership of Newcastle.

Owning a Premier League club is certainly beneficial for Saudi Arabia, and, of course, the impact on the Magpies has been superb.

But Wednesday’s reports will serve as a reminder of the vulnerability for decision-makers at St James’ Park.

Should PIF, at any point, decide that its ownership of Newcastle is no longer of benefit, it will not hesitate to make a defining decision.