Newcastle United statement after PIF & Yasir Al-Rumayyan exit LIV Golf
PIF’s commitment to Newcastle United has been questioned in light of their imminent exit from golf.
Eddie Howe has reaffirmed the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia’s long-term commitment to Newcastle United.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan and a delegation from PIF arrived on Tyneside just hours before the sovereign wealth fund confirmed it was pulling its funding from LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 campaign.
PIF are understood to have invested around £3.7billion into LIV Golf and, in a statement on Thursday, said: “This decision has been made in light of PIF's investment priorities and current macro dynamics”.
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The news has led to speculation regarding PIF’s 85% stake in the Magpies, but sources have stressed they remain totally committed to delivering on long-term strategies and ambitions.
PIF fully committed to Newcastle United
And Howe, for his part, is of the belief that “exciting times” still lie ahead for the club.
Asked if he sought assurances following the LIV Golf news, Howe said: “No, and I didn't seek any either. That's a total separate entity and business.
“It was all football. It was big discussions of course on this season and lots of other aspects of the football club. Meetings were lasting right through the day. Obviously, I was part of a few hours of that.
“I didn't participate in the whole day because I was training here with the team, but I'd say that what came through was the determination to succeed and to continue to grow the club in every aspect.”
Howe added: “It was an opportunity to see a lot of the people I haven't seen in a while. Obviously, the owners and representatives of PIF were over and it was constructive, good meetings.
“Obviously, I was a small part of that but always constructive because I think they clearly care so much about the football club, the long-term planning that's clearly going on on a number of levels.
“Very exciting times ahead, I think, for the club, regardless of what happens short-term. So, the long-term vision is clearly there.”
Training ground and stadium plans
Newcastle are understood to be moving closer to finalising plans for a new £200million training ground, while discussions continue around the future of St James’ Park. Howe, though, was unable to provide an update.
“Well, it's hugely important and I can assure you that everyone at the football club knows that and respects that from top to bottom,” said. “Thankfully for me having to answer that question, I wasn't involved in those discussions, so I can't give you anything.”