Five years since the takeover of Newcastle United Football Club

Statement by Chi: Today marks five years since the takeover of Newcastle United Football Club. In that time we have seen success on the pitch, with the Carabao Cup glory of 2025 and the return of Champions League football to St James' Park for two seasons.

I very much welcome the better relationship between the club, the fans and the management and the significant investment that has been put into club. This includes a new £190 million training ground development which will support local businesses and apprenticeships.

I was very unhappy with the Premier League attitude which delayed and obscured the takeover process and I worked hard to ensure fans voices were heard. But the takeover was not only about Newcastle fans, Saudi Arabia's sovereign fund provided the majority of the financing, part of extensive Saudi investments including Uber, X and Heathrow Airport.

I remain deeply concerned by the human rights record of Saudi Arabia which does not reflect the values of our city, and I continue to raise this in Parliament. I am proud of Labour's Football Governance Act 2025, which established an Independent Football Regulator and gives fans more of a say in the club they love.

But they still do not get to choose the owners! Newcastle has only one team, NUFC is a huge part of our city, our culture and our economy.

The mood in the city is significantly determined by the Cathedral on the Hill. I will continue to support Newcastle United as an MP and as a fan, and look forward to further success on and off the pitch in the years to come.