News broke this morning that The Public Investment Fund are set to withdraw funding from LIV Golf as Yasir Al-Rumayyan lands on Tyneside.

Yasir Al-Rumayyan will reportedly step down at LIV Golf as the future of the league is plunged into doubt.

Various sources claim the Public Investment Fund - which own an 85 stake in Newcastle United - are set to withdraw funding from the tour. Sky Sports report that a statement is imminent to outline LIV’s new "strategic plan" - with the door open for potential investors.

Set up in 2021, PIF rocked the sporting world as several top stars broke away from the PGA Tour to join the newly established LIV. Akin to the Saudi Pro League in football and boxing’s Riyadh Season, this was the Gulf state’s way of muscling into the golfing arena.

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However, to claim that the tour has haemorrhaged money would be an understatement. Investment surpassed £3.8billion when fresh capital (£229million) was injected earlier this year.

Outside the US, overall losses amount to £810million since LIV’s formation five years ago. But with the bulk of operations taking place across the pond, the true figure is likely in the billions.

The future of the tour - featuring stars like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm - is now in doubt. What started off as a breakaway threat to the status quo could become the first high-profile casualty of PIF’s wider restructure.

Al-Rumayyan announced a new four-year strategy earlier this month that focuses on sustainability. Clearly, given the huge outlay for little return, LIV did not align with this focus.

However, many Newcastle fans have raised concerns about PIF’s commitment. Issues like St James’ Park’s future remain unresolved to cast doubt - despite senior club officials vouching for their ambition.

But with the Magpies now valued at over £1billion, PIF consider the project to be in the sustainable category. Give or take, that equates to the overall investment - including the initial buy-out fee - put into the club.

Owning a Premier League asset also gives PIF a foothold in one of the most recognisable entities on the planet. Al-Rumayyan is set to land on Tyneside today as Toon officials meet for an annual summit on a wide range of topics.

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