Alan Shearer has said on BBC One (3:21pm, November 20, 2022) what he truly thinks about Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s involvement in Newcastle United.
The Newcastle legend made the comments about Newcastle and PIF while discussing the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.
Shearer is a pundit for BBC Sport for their coverage of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
The former England international striker believes that Saudi Arabia’s human rights record should be held to account just like Qatar’s.
Qatar has come under scrutiny and criticism over issues related to migrant workers and the LGBTQ+ community among others.
It is already proving to be the most controversial World Cup ever.
Newcastle are owned by a consortium of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners, and the Reuben Brothers.
The takeover was completed in October 2021.
The Magpies successfully avoided relegation from the Championship at the end of last season and are in the top four of the Premier League table at the moment.
There have been criticisms of PIF’s takeover of Newcastle.
Alan Shearer on Newcastle United and Saudi Arabia’s PIF
Shearer said: “Do I love the impact that it has had on Newcastle? Absolutely. Newcastle are buzzing and playing some great football.
“Also, do I think that the Saudis and other countries should be held to account over human rights? Absolutely yes.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
