Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, addressed Richard Keys’ reactions regarding the takeover of Newcastle United by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), a deal finalized in October 2021. The acquisition of Newcastle sparked controversy, particularly concerning Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and its influence on the Premier League. Richard Keys, a well-known sports presenter, was among the vocal critics of the takeover, expressing concerns about sportswashing—a term used to describe the use of sports to improve the image of a country or regime with a controversial reputation.
In response to Keys’ concerns, Mohammed bin Salman asserted that the PIF’s investment in Newcastle United was primarily a business decision, intended to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy beyond oil and promote international investments. He emphasized that the move was part of Saudi Vision 2030, a national initiative aimed at boosting sectors like sports, tourism, and entertainment. The Crown Prince rejected claims of sportswashing, stating that Newcastle United would be managed as a professional football club with the aim of bringing success to its fans and competing at the highest level in English and European football.
Regarding Richard Keys’ skepticism, Mohammed bin Salman acknowledged that public figures and analysts are entitled to their opinions. However, he reiterated that the PIF’s approach to Newcastle United would be transparent and focused on improving the club’s standing, infrastructure, and competitiveness. He also highlighted that the Premier League conducted a rigorous evaluation process before approving the takeover, ensuring that it met all necessary governance and financial standards.
The Crown Prince also took the opportunity to underscore Saudi Arabia’s broader ambitions in the global sports industry, pointing to other recent investments in football, Formula 1, and golf as part of the country’s long-term strategy. He assured that these investments were not merely about improving Saudi Arabia’s image, but were designed to build a sustainable and competitive sports sector that benefits both local talent and international partnerships.
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