Yasir Al-Rumayyan, chairman of Newcastle United, celebrates with trophy after winning the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025
Yasir Al-Rumayyan, chairman of Newcastle United, celebrates with trophy after winning the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025
Newcastle United's majority backers PIF have released a 18-word statement after the club's Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool.
After Yasir Al-Rumayyan declared that the trophy lift at Wembley would be the first of many, the Saudi-based global investment powerhouse's purchase of Newcastle was being hailed in Riyadh this week. Many have described the 2021 takeover, with PIF buying the club from Mike Ashley, as "smart investment".
PIF stated after the win: "PIF congratulates Newcastle United on the club's historic victory in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London." After the game the Newcastle chairman Al-Rumayyan had said: "That's the first - and it's not going to be the last."
Observers in Saudi Arabia have commented on Newcastle's four-year timeline between the takeover in late 2021 and the club's first trophy since 1969 less than four years later. There are certainly comparisons between Newcastle and Man City with the UAE-takeover of the Citizens seeing a first major trophy delivered in three years at Eastlands.
Although, Newcastle have had PSR issues to contend with while Man City had a free hit on spending when they won the FA Cup in 2011 after the 2008 purchase of the former Maine Road side.
Consultant Rana Maristani wrote: "This moment was more than a trophy lift—it was a showcase of Saudi Arabia’s decisive approach to global investment and leadership
"The Public Investment Fund (PIF) didn’t just fund a club; it built a powerhouse, ensuring Newcastle United became a model of excellence through strategic planning, disciplined execution, and visionary leadership. This victory sends a clear message: Saudi Arabia is shaping industries, driving progress, and setting new benchmarks."
"PIF’s approach to Newcastle United was never about quick wins. The goal was to establish long-term dominance, ensuring the club operates at the highest level.
"Every decision—from the selection of Alexander Isak and Dan Burn to the appointment of Eddie Howe—was made with a clear focus: build a team that delivers results and sustains success.
"Newcastle’s rise is a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s broader impact. The Kingdom is applying the same strategy to renewable energy, infrastructure, tourism, and technology, creating a blueprint for how industries can be redefined through innovation and commitment."
The Magpies are arguably way ahead of schedule after a Champions League qualifcation and a Europa Conference League qualifcation along with a Carabao Cup win in their first four years in charge. It all fits in with Saudi's 2030 vision in which the country which aims build a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation.
And having Newcastle as the country's flagship team and challenging for trophies is all part of the plan.
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