The Truth About Newcastle United's New Owners

Following 14 years with Mike Ashley at the helm, during which time the club was twice relegated from the Premier League, Newcastle United finally have new owners.
As has been widely reported, PCP Capital Partners now own 10% of the club, RB Sports & Media a further 10%, and a majority 80% stake belongs to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
From accusations of sportswashing to claims of a separation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and PIF, in this video, HITC Sevens attempts to sort the fact from the fiction, and address some of the worst arguments that have been made about Newcastle's takeover.

[@saxpackabs]

Can always count on Alfie to cut through the noise about these things. Top man

[@DefenderPuma]

he's just arrogant

[@saxpackabs]

@@DefenderPuma You know you don't have to watch the video if you don't like him?

[@beefcake1973aus]

@@DefenderPuma Why, because he says things you disagree with?

[@beefcake1973aus]

@Oscar Ortiz You say there is information in this video that is incorrect, so can you be more specific?

[@beefcake1973aus]

@Oscar Ortiz And in your opinion, what is the "actual truth" when it comes to this takeover? You're insinuating that Alfie is not telling the truth, so please tell us all what the truth is.

[@mortezz1268]

Hull is the perfect example of why I don't want investors owning clubs in Germany. They can do whatever they want with the club and mostly don't care about football or the fans

[@pushon10]

capitalism in a nutshell

[@corvus2512]

And are sometimes war criminals who kill everybody who disagrees with them

[@mortezz1268]

@@corvus2512 yeah that aswell I guess

[@RomaInvicta202]

There are more examples of that in England: Derby, Swindon Town

[@michiadams]

50+1 für immer

[@mullenio4200]

Wow Alfie did not hold back on this one. 😁 I can't wait to listen to the BBC's watered down comments on this. Were they try so hard not to offend anyone. 😂 Oh and Alfie, you continue to make powerful enemies as you go. 👍

[@TheMightofDab]

The only "controvery" the BBC will ever acknowledge about this is the fear of a new club "buying the league". Guarentee you Gary Linekar and Co. Will never say "Yemen" or "Civil war" while broadcasting. Best we can hope for is a tweet

[@demonedante1148]

Hell I have never seen Alfie call UK and USA war criminals when they are the biggest war criminals in the world and acts like their only issue is selling weapons and maintaining them

[@mullenio4200]

@@demonedante1148 that's not actually true and he does address that in this video. I'm not saying they're faultless. But you want to see global war criminals? Wait a few more years till China is a superpower.

[@conorwall8]

@@mullenio4200 China already is a global superpower and I can guarantee the US and UK have done far more damage globally in the time they have been a superpower but people will never know that because they control the narrative.

[@mullenio4200]

@@conorwall8 I can guarantee they haven't. Like I say, they're not angels and there's plenty the US in particular has done wrong. But if you lived in North Korea for a few years, you'd appreciate what war criminals actually looked like.

[@balham5606]

A documentary on the rise of AFC Wimbledon and the nine promotions in eleven years. How the club are fan owned and that they have a stadium now.

[@lexman7179]

We had our own stadium before, we've just got a better one exactly where we wanted it.

[@balham5606]

@@lexman7179 I think a HITC sevens documentary talking about how the f a allowed the move to happen And how the new club worked their way back up Will be good Did hull win away to afc Wimbledon last season ? How AFC have the trophies back again How Milton Keynes aren’t considered a club by 99% of football fans You know ? It can be a good video by Alfie

[@lexman7179]

@@balham5606 Yeah I would liek to see it.

[@balham5606]

@@lexman7179 thanks

[@pauldoodnath]

Definitely would love to see one on the original wimbledon's move to Milton Keynes to become mk dons and the birth of afc wimbledon

[@MrAlwaysBlue]

When Newcastle play badly, "heads will roll", now has a more ominous meaning...

[@Ren_1090]

I don’t think the UAE is all that much better in terms of human rights than Saudi Arabia.

[@yannick245]

@@Ren_1090 The UAE has sharia law for their own citizens and muslim foreigners, mainly their slave-like working force too. You won't find a UAE citizen working as a cashier at KFC there. The whole native population is alimented by the state. So no, the UAE isn't much better than Saudi Arabia. They also sent their military to "fight" in Yemen. With air striking and artillery bombing. So no _"boots on the ground",_ since that would mean casualties of "precious" UAE soldiers lifes. I have nothing but disgust for the gulf states. _Edit: Oh, I see that the UAE lost about 100 soldiers in the Yemen war. Which is a joke compared to the loses of Yemenite lifes._

[@Amn09888]

@@Ren_1090 where is human right in france France forced muslim to don't wear hijjab where is human right

[@kingschulz1444]

Instantly having the song in my head ffs 😂

[@vaughnshinkus4178]

a.) No one mentioned France, and no one said they were a land of acceptance and open-mindedness b.) Yes, France treats is Muslim population like shit, but that doesn’t excuse the Gulf States brutally murdering political and religious dissenters.

[@kelleyrawlings614]

"Amnesty International FC" made me laugh way more than it should have lol.

[@ranaashhad8040]

Its more like selective morality fc.

[@xdarkohh60]

I have a lot of cash and nothing else matters FC

[@danielo7985]

@@ranaashhad8040 what do you mean by that

[@IrishGuysScarf]

@@danielo7985 Because he believes that a human rights organisation believing an autocratic dictatorship should not be allowed to sportswash to excuse their abuses is somehow 'biased'.

[@felixbache5369]

4:55 Jimmy Carr's career must have taken a huge dive seeing as he has to take a job at Starbucks

[@gunders85]

Was thinking the same 😅

[@corvus2512]

I thought that was jimmy carr!!

[@cirrusblade6193]

Thank you Alfie, this was the level of research I was looking for. It’s gotten even weirder supporting Newcastle.

[@woolly337]

Yeah its a hard spot to be in, I'm always going to support the club but I cant ever be happy with being owned by massive criminals

[@thomasrockbottom2907]

Even glazers are criminals, grow up

[@woolly337]

@@thomasrockbottom2907 if you watched any of the video, you'd understand that just because a lot of other PL owners are criminals, and many of their crimes are very serious, they are likely nothing compared to the saudi war crimes

[@yannick245]

Here in Germany, he probably would be invited to a talkshow or shows like _"Sport inside",_ a little (by little I mean it's running time is short) show on a public tv channel (NDR) that looks into problems/the dark side of sports,just the way Alfie does.

[@TheIkaraCult]

I sympathise with you man, it's your club, owners move on but fans stay for life. I'm sure there are alot of Newcastle fans who are feeling that grim feeling in the pit of their stomach at this.

[@AW-nolove]

That picture of Kroenke and his awful toupee never fails to make me laugh. You'd think a billionaire would be able to afford a half decent hairpiece.

[@kanekennedy8300]

Sais the nerd behind his screen

[@MenWithVen]

Found the Kroenke burner account

[@nicholastricarico2957]

That's what we NFL fans here in the States have been saying for years.

[@corvus2512]

Or he could just have a hair transplant! The guy is so cheap!

[@sukhdevr3489]

@@kanekennedy8300 Sais. Shut up.

[@AW-nolove]

I love the guy accusing Amnesty of being jealous, I sincerely hope they were joking

[@karlhans4116]

Amnesty always whines so that they can get more funds all those who work at amnesty are grossly overpaid and in most cases they want worse situation to continue

[@lagofala]

@@karlhans4116 So what's a fair wage at amnesty international according to your opinion?

[@karlhans4116]

@@lagofala Obviously lesser than what they are paid nowadays

[@leonjicha9921]

@@karlhans4116 they're not whining they're adressing various issues in the world, "whining" is the whole point otherwise they couldn't exist. And i can assure you that not everyone is overpaid at Amnesty

[@archstanton6102]

@@karlhans4116 Can you give a factual example and source of a salary at Amnesty please?

[@bobchipman7737]

You know alot of ..."football only matters on the pitch not outside " comments coming... By that logics Adam Johnson and Benjamin Mendy are good boys coz they pass the ball lol

[@aidy6000]

They were good footballers. But not good people. Important to maintain that distinction I think.

[@fireboltninja29]

tbf mendy was an excellent ball playing defender

[@crazydezzy9779]

They doing well for prison FC they got a right team going now lol

[@wolfen210959]

I haven't looked into the Mendy case, but, with Adam Johnson, the chief executive of the club was also his agent, which, in my opinion was a conflict of interest that should never have been allowed to happen. She admitted, after the fact, that she knew he intended to plead guilty, because he was, but she still sanctioned his continuing to play. Smh

[@sadashivtanawade4483]

Well than you won’t support manchester city cz mendy is in prison?? Right??

[@brunoactis1104]

Honestly, by far what i've mostly heard from Newcastle fans, is that they shouldn't be blamed for this, or be ashamed of feeling happy for their club. And just as you said, they're right.

[@user-fy6vx8gw2u]

They can't do anything about it

[@SebPZLDN]

@Kobe McFadgean Jesus Christ - watch the video you're commenting on for an answer on why we should all care a lot, wherever we're Newcastle fans or not.

[@user-hj8ze3om9b]

@Kobe McFadgean Saudi Arabia is not a bad country. It is a wonderful and rich country. Its people are generous and welcoming. A wonderful culture that you can visit. Its rulers currently have problems with human rights and imprisoning opponents. It must be separated. If you have any question I will answer you. Sometimes fake news.

[@madesatwikadarma841]

Yeah, feel sorry for them. I genuinely think that they deserve this takeover and disagree all opinion that their club isnt relevant. They have been in hard time for long now and with takeover it just sad if people blame them when they couldnt anything about it

[@PatrickStarfishman]

Actually he said that at the end. He also said early on that supporting the takeover is tacit support for the Saudi government. So is he separating fans from owners or not? Well I'm a toon fan who would love to get money out of football or a 50+1 rule or a morality portion of the fit and proper person test but no I will kot feel ashamed of being utterly delighted by this news and no I don't remotely support the Saudi regime.

[@lalitthapa101]

My views are blame the system that allowed this to happen. Not the fans cause its not like fans opposing the takeover will suddenly make it stop.

[@FootballDrawn]

Love the research that went into this. Another top video by a top man. Well done Alfie⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽

[@sbtgamil5536]

Love both your channels

[@davman115]

Research? Yes it must have took him a couple of minutes to Google.

[@willywonka7812]

@@davman115 taken. Not took. Quit bakin. Get a book

[@FootballDrawn]

@@davman115 hahaha....that's what I thought, until I started my own channel as well. It actually takes a while, my friend :))

[@ImperialMJG]

He hasnt done much research on his 1 mention of Assad/Syria. For the rest he Just say general knowledge if you know about MSB.

[@lianrose88]

brilliant piece of not only entertainment but nuanced and intelligent quality journalism. Alfie keep bleating, in the current and ongoing media landscape by so called journalists or 'experts' on mainstream channels, your perspective is gold and must be celebrated

[@mattanderson8575]

This is why sportswashing is so effective, no matter how morally corrupt and horrible the ownership of the club is you’ll still cheer them on when they succeed.

[@IrishGuysScarf]

The prime example of this is the Qatar World Cup. I just read a comment congratulating Qatar for “overcoming the controversies of migrant workers and LGBTQ+ because the World Cup itself was very exciting.” They quite literally had the exact reaction the Qatari royalty wanted them to have: overlook the absolute abuse of power and human rights and focus on the pretty sports-washing that was provided.

[@unknownapproach9410]

I wonderfully well thought out, written and performed piece from Alfie. As a NUFC fan I must admit being swept up in excitement these past few days, but at the same time I’m totally aware of how awful these new owners are. It’s a really difficult minefield to get your head around

[@xzoi7751]

My dear, I am a Saudi, what is the abomination that you are talking about? We live in Saudi Arabia as we want, we have thousands of British and Europeans living in peace. I hope you go to Saudi Arabia and see for yourself how the situation is there, and with all this we see the crimes of Britain and Europe in the whole world from the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan to the wars of Europe to racism and the enslavement of people in Africa if we speak frankly Saudis should be afraid to invest in Britain, not the other way around

[@jakeroper6758]

@@xzoi7751 and I’m sure most everyone in Britain wishes you wouldn’t. Keep your money in Saudi Arabia. No one cares about it. Your leaders are scum of the earth and their money is worth nothing to me.

[@Macar14]

@@xzoi7751 Jamal Khashoggi?

[@michiadams]

@@xzoi7751 Nobody here has a problem with Saudi People. The Problem is your leader's disregard for basic human rights of any kind.

[@stephenturnbull275]

@@Macar14 it's one person

[@TheMightofDab]

20:12 this has to be part of the most disgusting aspect of all this. The Premier league initially blocked the takeover for "two" reasons. The first reason was a very popular streaming service that let people in Saudi Arabia pirate Premier league games. The second "reason" was the human rights violations committed by the Saudi state. The first reason was addressed, but the second one really wasn't, proving that the Premier League doesn't give a fuck about the moral integrity of its owners.

[@xzoi7751]

What are the human rights that Saudi Arabia violates? It seems that Western peoples live in frightening ignorance about the reality of Arab societies and how the culture is completely different from theirs. Religion plays an essential core in the life of the Arab man. Therefore, it is difficult to impose European culture on a Muslim society. The people themselves will never accept that and will fight you with full force. I hope that man understands Western nature of life in the countries of the world and to stay away from naivety

[@1998Cebola]

@@xzoi7751 there are plenty of examples in the video. I know many religious arabs, not a single one supports crucifying children demonstrating for democracy. The fact that you're trying to group the people fleeing the terror with the ones responsible for it is despicable. There are no people fleeing Sweden to Saudi, but plenty of people fleeing in the opposite direction for a good reason.

[@xzoi7751]

@@1998Cebola My dear, if you go to any Arab country and ask him about his vision of the state system that he wants, he would say to you, I want to implement Sharia, and you will not find any Muslim in Arab countries who want secularism or personal and religious freedoms. What you see now in Afghanistan, for example, is the real type of what the Muslim wants. Look at the reaction after America’s exit from Afghanistan. They celebrated a great deal and demanded the implementation of Sharia. This will undoubtedly happen in Saudi Arabia if the Saudi kings left. Banning women from driving also they set up a terrifying campaign to prevent women from working because this is against Islamic Sharia.

[@Ahmed-Bin-Koshari]

@@xzoi7751 Their media is very good at washing thier citizens minds See how this channel owner talks as if UK was throwing flowers in Iraq and Afghanistan not to mention in the UK stabbing is like weather forecast very normal thing it’s like the medieval times again

[@1998Cebola]

@@xzoi7751 yeah, I saw that all "real muslims" wanted sharia when people where falling off airplanes trying to escape Afghanistan. There are also HUGE groups in the middle east that aren't even muslim, and there is an equally huge diversity in both what constitutes sharia law and islam.

[@nicholastricarico2957]

I feel like this was indirectly and directly aimed at the Irish Guy simultaneously.

[@henrycavill1667]

Hi dear

[@RobCrowhurst]

4:55 I didn’t know Jimmy Carr works in Starbucks, but I guess both are known for tax evasion

[@GeoffHodgkinson]

At first I was amazed how much that barrista looked like Jimmy Carr. Then I realised it probably actually is him. See the people in the queue taking photos etc. Must have been a charity event, or as you say, perhaps a tax evasion workshop.

[@ryanchant6861]

He's already used that joke

[@markphc99]

1.The owners don’t really care about football. 2. or human rights 3. But they do have a lot of money!

[@bobchipman7737]

@Sky Mirror 🤣 bruh u fxcking srs

[@Cal2929]

PIF provide the wealth, they ain't actually the ones doing the day to day running of the football club.

[@awaydaysfootball]

HERE WE GO

[@davman115]

Total bollocks incoming!

[@willywonka7812]

@@davman115 imagine white knighting for slave owners who cut up journalists with a bonesaw

[@archstanton6102]

@@davman115 You seem to be very angry with Alfie. Any particular reason why?

[@HPLovecraftsCat87]

@@davman115 Humanitarian expert you lad

[@chriscookesuffolk]

Great video. If the Saudis invite you to their embassy to discuss it, I suggest a polite refusal.

[@Pantalaimon91]

In all honesty the 50+1 rule is needed in all of sports, but it is certainly very pressing currently in the EPL and all the other major leagues.

[@kaihiggins725]

no it doesnt, the bundesliga is shit because bayern are the only one who can acc compete

[@Ascending11]

Sadly, teams like RB Leipzig circumvent the 50+1 rule.

[@robingronwald7993]

I really hope that there’s gonna be a 50+1 rule like in Germany. By now every great league had a decline when they used to dominate: Bundesliga wasn’t able to compete anymore after HSVs Win in the Mid 80s and they only recovered when the „Italien Legionäre“ returned from stronger leagues, then rerised after some dark years from 98-04 where no one else except Bavaria was capable to play on a serious niveau. And now due to financial mismanagement, clubs like Schalke, Stuttgart and Werder aren’t as nearly as dominant as they used to be. Now the League title is literally owned by Bavaria Munich. Serie A collapsed in a corruption swamp, struggled with a declining national team, but they were able to turn their fortunes around. National team won the Euros, the title battle is actually very exciting and there are quite a lot of interesting progresses like for example Roma, Bergamo or AC Milan’s return. La Liga Clubs struggle due to the Corona pandemic (some smaller clubs from catalunia especially) When the Premier League declines, because of 50+1, disappointed investors or anything else it could turn out to be not a decline but a catastrophy. Or maybe the Prem will be dominant forever but then we’ll have the money league. I really hope that certain clubs have a back up plan cause once the investor is out, they will definitely need it. If the Prem declines there will be clubs who will decline at the same time.

[@wolfen210959]

Yeah, all these people banging on about fan ownership and 50+1 rules, don't realise that for all of that to come true, the Premier League would no longer exist in it's current form. Which means no more TV money, no more Champions League wins, no more games on TV, the end of Sky and BT in the UK. No more of the best players in the world playing for your team. The only reason it works in the Bundesligue is that it is better than what they had before, and incidentally, is still open to abuse, just check out some of Alfies' videos about German clubs and their dodgy dealings. It's like everyone forgetting that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, until you realise what getting there entails, and realising that you are, at best, no better off.

[@joecurrie2381]

Video Idea: The fall and future rise of Stockport County. If you look into it it is more interesting than you think 🔵⚪🔵⚪

[@user-cd8fu1uv5l]

Yes

[@nicocorbo4153]

Great video again Alfie. Quality piece of journalism. Saudi Arabia may have some great journalists like you. It a shame they have no platform and face death for their actions. Your role in publicizing these atrocities to a broader audience and building more humility in the football community is crucial

[@aarontomaselli590]

One of the best around at the moment. Love your work

[@jackbutler559]

This is fantastic, feel so let down by other youtube commentators who are not mentioning this or just say “we’re here to talk about football”. Also - i knew you would be, but glad to hear you’re a comrade ✊

[@mrflibble9783]

The scenes outside st James Park show a vast number of the Newcastle fans are turning a blind eye. It's appalling how morals disapear out the window when there's a chance of their team being successful. I don't imagine the scenes would be different elsewhere either. Shows more and more that 50+1 rule is needed accross europe. But, these large owners wouldn't except it, so with every large takeover like this we're further and further from that being a reality. What would be nice, is if big name players come out and refuse to play for the team. But i suspect they're equally morally banrupt and will just follow the money.

[@JayA-io7wj]

would you boycott USA who drone strike and kill innocent children?

[@Cal2929]

They were celebrating the end of Ashley over anything else. Remember that.

[@somebritishidiot636]

@@JayA-io7wj I mean if it could realistically do anything, yes

[@JayA-io7wj]

@@somebritishidiot636 well realistically cant do nothing to saudi yet here is everyone threatening to botcott them

[@mrflibble9783]

@@JayA-io7wj If you buy something from a private company, it's not effecting the US state. So, saying i won't buy that $100 item has no effect on the US state, but does have an effect on the individuals selling the item. Who, arn't responcible for for the actions of the US state. PIF is the Saudi state. There is a difference. Look at who runs the Saudi state, and who runs the PIF. Then you look at who runs the US companys you might want to buy things from and see how they're responcible for the actions of the US state.... Clue... They arn't.

[@dpereira35]

Thanks Alfie for this brave and comprehensive piece. I think you successfully navigated through the tricky arguments and I hope this gives cause to not only Newcastle fans, but true City and PSG fans to push for something better, i.e. club success with much less reliance on the morally corrupt regimes and owners who finance them. There should be no moral equivalence concept when it comes to billlionaires, and what the Gulf states perpetuate to the detriment of mankind far outstrip most Western multinationals and their owners. I have read Soccernomics recently and was dismayed to see arguments in the book touting that the EPL "need" so call sugar-daddies to enhance the competitiveness of the league. Whilst so many people detract from 50+1 because of the dominance of Bayern, I'd rather take the dominance by that club, over a competitive league financed and controlled by tyrants.

[@SamOGr]

Thanks Alfie for making this, I know some fans just don't really understand the situation, it's absolutely abhorrent what they're doing and should have no place in football

[@WaterCarrier07]

It’s a huge shame, abramovic is the same, the Qataris, City’s Owners, the glazers, it’s terrible how many awful people are let into the sport

[@SamOGr]

@@WaterCarrier07 while it isn't exclusive to the PIF they are the worst, but yeah I agree it's a big shame that all these shady people come in

[@WaterCarrier07]

@@SamOGr oh I mean they’re all pretty terrible 😅 weather it’s the almost slave like working conditions in Qatar, Abramovic and Putin stealing oil and killing off anyone who opposes them, the tolerance for homosexuality in these countries, their treatment of women, human rights violations, bribery, political influence etc the Americans trying to franchise Football, it’s all utter shit and UEFA and FIFA are all as corrupt as these people so football is fucked and it will separate into the super league one day

[@W1LDMIK]

@@WaterCarrier07 how?

[@WaterCarrier07]

@@W1LDMIK ??

[@callmedavid9696]

So glad you are releasing videos like this that don't censor themselves, too many youtubers seem happy to ignore the facts on this or don't have the guts to make this big of a stand.

[@footballinvestorsclub]

The 50+1 rule has never been needed more than now.

[@Jackcrypto101]

They're so rich I'm not sure they'd care about the super league

[@heypresto9605]

Hi Alfie, great calm, measured and as far as I can tell accurate video. Unfortunately I am a late viewer of your channel you seem to have a very clear view on these issues; can you point me in the direction of your videos of the other 19 premiership clubs:- their ownership structure, investment intent, alongside their credit, morale standing, their access to capital and its source. I am sure you have covered the exposure of those clubs to debt. Keep up the good work.

[@ario4550]

As a newcastle pseudo-fan for the last 4 years, i have been very conflicted. obviously i end up landing on the side of fuck MBS and anything his regime has a heavy hand in, but at the same time i kind of get the hype of the Newcastle fans. i just wish they didn't try to justify their guilt. just accept it lol it wasn't up to them

[@askgudmundsen]

Support the team, not the regime! Honestly, NUFC doesn't deserve this after 14 years of Mike Ashley... But at least you have gotten a lot of practise supporting the team while hating the owner 😅

[@RichardsDigest]

"justify their guilt" the fans are not guilty of anything in this take over.

[@ario4550]

@@RichardsDigest i mean fair enough, i don't know if i worded that part best. But I don't know how comfortable a lot of fans would feel about giving money and supporting an organization thats an arm of a genocidal tyrannical government. As Newcastle grows, so will Saudi influence. And that sucks. They are literally taking advantage of our love of football for PR and branding reasons. thats all

[@JohnSmith-tp2mg]

@@ario4550 Look at what China's doing to the Uighurs, yet everyone's still doing business with China. Hell, my American college even has a campus in China. The world of business also is so competitive and lucrative that people end up losing their morals. Pretty much every single large business does has done unethical things. And yet we still buy their products. I say this to say all in all, there's pretty much nothing we, the regular people, can do. In all facets of life we use products and support companies that are unethical, and there's really no way we can put a stop to that. So this brings me to my point of if you're a Newcastle supporter, then hell yeah, support your club. You can be thankful to the owners for what they'll do to your club while also criticizing them for their human rights abuses.

[@Ukmwpgad]

Very well done video. Easy to understand and very informative. So happy to be living in Germany where this could never happen.

[@HaremKnight]

Enjoy Bayern winning the league forever

[@alvinokamara373]

Alfie spitting facts over facts over facts

[@syahnurasyadi3840]

always enjoy your coverage... cheers mate 👍

[@leonleon3267]

I wouldn't blame anybody for not wanting to have anything to do with the premier league after this, it's pretty disgusting

[@damonh9668]

Great video Alfie, as a Newcastle fan I have never felt so 50/50 before, on one hand I am glad to see the back of Mike Ashley and I am excited to see my club hopefully compete for trophies rather than fighting relegation or being relegated every year, but on the other hand Saudi Arabia’s human rights laws are not to be overlooked, and the occasional Newcastle fans with Saudi Arabia flags on their profile or dressing up to look like a Saudi does leave a sour taste in my mouth. I celebrated the takeover news as more of getting rid of Mike Ashley, and the huge wealth the new owners have, although exciting, saddens me when I see clubs over 100 year old either relegated, deducted points, or even completely gone, and I have such sympathy for any fans of clubs going through financial struggles or who no longer exist.

[@leonjicha9921]

I'm so disappointed with the way this deal has been allowed to happen and the way fans have been celebrating it or wishing their team had been taken over. After the way the Super League was shut down by pressure from fans and ex-players I thought there was some hope left but this...I'm do disillusioned with football atm it makes me want to never watch a game again, it's sad

[@kaihiggins725]

then don't

[@langletprolet8378]

Fans (and humans, in general) are selective.

[@fudgerace4356]

The premier league itself already bcm their own super league...

[@AdamCanavan12]

Been waiting for this one since the announcement

[@TheMightofDab]

Who was it that said Arsenal fans would chant "Suddam Hussein" if he managed the club to trophies? Newcastle fans are pretty much doing exactly that right now, and the only "success" so far is Mike Ashley leaving.

[@Gundamman]

I appreciate these videos that go a little deeper than normal

[@thetool5434]

Corruption in these owners will be exposed. As a fan all my life. This will not end well.

[@thetool5434]

Skymirror@ wait and see.

[@leonjicha9921]

@Sky Mirror moral corruption

[@thetool5434]

Skymirror.@ football and all sports have been corrupted over the years. This is maybe the worst. Being a loyal fan all my life and had enough 3yr s ago . I was blinded on the love for the club and kept up with this shi@ it's been a smokescreen of corruption for yrs . FU.

[@jonathandavies89]

Amnesty FC are looking quite strong this year Alfie so you can’t blame their fans for being jealous 😭😂

[@neilturner6749]

Particularly strong at (human) rights back, but once their opponents work out that most of Amnesty’s team are playing on the Loony Left, their form will dip just as Amnesty’s own image has become comical over time...

[@GB-fk7eq]

Thank you for adding some sanity to the conversation. As an Arsenal fan, all I hear is I'm jealous when I point out there should be no way PIF passed a fit and proper persons test in order to buy Newcastle.

[@GeliCarlosJ]

they would pass it because that test is all about financial capabilities and not about if they're a "good" or "bad" person morally

[@bobchipman7737]

@@GeliCarlosJ not really they check ur crimminal and conviction history... MBS CONTROLS THE LAW so its all erased for him which is not fair

[@uliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike]

Your best video yet. Utter madness how little some of this is being talked about. Been a subscriber from the very start and you really have hit your stride with your own style/brand of humour, really great to see.

[@MrDigimal]

Fair play man. Needed to be said and you said it eloquently

[@suzannelooms7658]

Great to see a serious subject covered in depth & with humour. Good going!

[@SexGravy]

4:55 Is that Jimmy Carr? Lmao

[@kiriakoz]

I was wondering the same thing.

[@chargey911]

😂😂

[@dipakvarsani4191]

You have a great way of putting a balanced and grounded view .... Well played 👍🏾

[@NickfromRBR]

Alfie, I love your work. You’ve got a wonderful way of wording things and explain everything very well. The Newcastle takeover is really hard for me as a fan. Yes MSB and Saudi Arabia in general are terrible and you’ve made it clear why your criticising and why you will continue to criticise Newcastle’s new owners. What they have done… to call it deplorable is an understatement. Not to brush this away, the football fan in me is extremely excited to see potentially what lies ahead for Newcastle. Going from a owner who wouldn’t open his wallet for anything, not just transfers mind you even the clubs infrastructure has been neglected, to ownership that has said they want to invest in Newcastle’s future, well I think any fan who’s experienced awful owners understands why that’s exciting. I think you can both be excited to see your club be invested in and also condemn Saudi Arabia’s actions. I do understand why a lot of Newcastle’s fans are jumping to defend their team in these ways, I mean even in this video it wasn’t until 24 minutes in until you acknowledged it isn’t Newcastle’s fans fault. So it can be pretty hard not to come out and angrily defend yourself when you feel someone is attacking your club. There’s not really any point I’m making here to be honest. Maybe just an opportunity to say words into the aether. Love your work man.

[@EvilFinian]

I think you put it well, and it is something as you are seeing around the world in all factors of life. When you are needing/wanting investment and the only one offering is a country with appalling human rights, do you turn them away? It is very easy to condemn them but very hard for those involved not to accept. So where should the blame lie, in the end it has to be with the organizations and institutions that allow this form of investment to occur, not the general population or fans

[@henrycavill1667]

Hi dear

[@chlcrk]

​@@EvilFinian I'm inclined to agree with that final point. Saudi Arabia has clearly been looking to invest in a football club for years, as football - particularly in England - has demonstrated it will embrace ever-increasing riches, and that we'd be having these same conversations if the PIF brought any football club. For me it just happened to be the one I support, at the end of a situation that likely pushed people to more extreme positions because it dragged on for a long period of time and Ashley was that unpopular. It's not great the choice was either an owner who had clearly lost interest or to be effectively owned by a nation state that, to put it kindly, has baggage. In my capacity as a Newcastle supporter, I'm not going to pretend I have a simple answer to working all of this out, or pretend that I can speak for every Newcastle fan everywhere as to how we should feel. All I know is that this is going to become a very regular conversation, particularly if Newcastle soon start regularly challenging for trophies

[@bestrafung2754]

Honestly, I feel the same as a Manchester City fan. I have criticisms of our owners but at the same time I'm happy to see my team do well and I'm looking forward to the future. I think most Man City, Newcastle, and PSG fans feel this way. Besides, I was 7 in 2008. I never asked Sheikh Mansour to buy City lol.

[@groundhopperd8608]

Great watch as always, Alfie. Sidenote - would love to see a video on the story behind the David Blaine, Uri Geller and MJ weirdness at Exeter City.

[@richardfinlayson1524]

Yeah stunned that this hasn't been brought up more, I'd be appalled I do I was a Newcastle be fan.

[@malcolmhaig3709]

What?

[@NSBarnett]

@@malcolmhaig3709 I'd be appalled I do I was a Newcastle be fan! Can't you read?

[@malcolmhaig3709]

@@NSBarnett it's still nonsense regardless how many times it's repeated.

[@nbarrett100]

Thank you for making this video. I'm sick of seeing fellow toon fans make these terrible arguments. What they're really saying is "I don't want to think about it".

[@karlhans4116]

Then get rid of abramovich then we would be ok if you criticize saudi based owners

[@EOR2742]

@@karlhans4116 I don't remember Abramovich waging war against impoverished nations or mass executing the citizens of his country. It's not the same thing

[@tylerphillips1926]

@@EOR2742 the premier league themselves have been told and agreed to the fact that mbs isn’t in control, that’s all that matters

[@EOR2742]

@@tylerphillips1926 It's not fine. The Premier League may have been told he isn't in control, but he actually is in control alongside half the people in power in Saudi Arabia. Saying "that's all that matters" is a cop out

[@tylerphillips1926]

@@EOR2742 if you’re annoyed by it talk to the premier league, they’re the people that made the final decision which is all that matters, Newcastle fans will support the club before and after owners are gone

[@iiNeedSkins]

*Alfie has surprisingly invited to the KSA embassy.

[@jea450]

Been waiting for this video since the announcement

[@paulmcallister8948]

Great content dude as always. But not keen on how your voice always goes up mid sentence before coming back down at the end! 🤔🤒

[@francisjrousseau]

In Saudi Arabia, Women are subject to fewer rights than men under the male guardianship system, including requiring a male guardian's approval to get married or travel. Men can file cases against women for "disobedience". Sexual harassment and domestic abuse is widespread.

[@user-vb9cj7uy1p]

لذلك نقول عنكم اغبياء وساذجين.. تصدقون كل شيء.. الا توجد لديكم عقول تعرف الصحيح من الكذب؟ المراة تسافر بدون اذن أي شخص من عام ٢٠١٨ ونسبة عدد النساء في مجلس الشورى أكثر من نسبة عدد النساء في برلمان امريكا ولا توجد مقارنة.. ونسبة التحرش تعتبر صفر اذا تمت مقارنتها بتحرش رجل بكل امراة في بريطانيا بنسبة تصل ألى ١٠٠% من أين تأتون بهذه الخرافات.. تظهرون المجرمون وسافكي الدماء وأعضاء داعش الذين قتلوا جنودنا وفجروا المساجد في السعودية على انهم ابطال واصحاب حقوق لا تكونوا اغبياء تصدقون اعلامكم المتصهين الذي يوجهكم مثل الحمير انا سعودي واعرف ان كل هذه الامور اكاذيب مضحكة مجرد احقاد دينية وصليبية غبية وعنصرية عرقية بغيضة يحركها اعلامكم..

[@Ahmed-Bin-Koshari]

Yeah every women in England feels very safe to go late in night unlike Saudi Arabia is dangerous for women to go out 😆

[@Iamneverright]

Great video Alfie, Sadly i do not think the ignorant will ever watch it !!

[@adammerai3015]

As a person who lived in Saudi Arabia for 12 years I can say that Alfie would never be heard form again

[@sheldon97sheldon]

I been waiting for this video. Great work 👏 👍

[@seth.gravity]

Day 1: Downfall of South African Football

[@lcc8394]

this could be your best work to date

[@suzannelooms7658]

Thank you. Nice to see some clarity in a sea of bull crap.

[@MrCr1spy1]

5:16 what's the name of Alfie's other youtube channel?

[@cfcmoi11]

You're awesome what you do. Keep it up Alfie

[@mintywebb]

Drain the swamp! Drain the swamp!

[@mrturtle6614]

Good points, and well researched. Must have taken a while, so I hope it gets views

[@ConnbineHarvester]

It shocks me how much I used to love football compared to how I feel about it now.

[@createmistakes]

Great video. I have nothing against Newcastle fans but that doesn’t mean we can’t question what the club is doing.

[@hwtl6.103]

you do realize that there isn’t shit we can you 😂. the clubs been sold, sure you can question and insult our owners but where exactly do you think that’s gonna get you. personally it doesn’t bother me but unless the saudis sell the club it’s there’s for the remaining future and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.

[@createmistakes]

@@hwtl6.103 calm down bro, Jesus there’s no need to be so sensitive. I clearly said I have nothing against NUFC fans, but If your club is owned by assholes then you can’t be surprised if people point out to you that your club is owned by assholes. People always pointed out that Mike Ashley was an asshole but you never had a problem about that so calm down bro.

[@Kriscur20]

The Premier League approved this deal just because the Saudis stopped and promised to pirating premier league games from Bein sport, the Qatari media company. Thry never cared about the human rights issues as reported and never will.

[@MrDavidht]

The author of this video cites Assem Allam as being a more despicable owner than Ashley. I would point out that Allam is at least an owner who is resident in the Hull area has a flourishing business in the area and as far as I know doesn't inflict zero hour contracts on his workforce. Also he has donated millions to establish a medical research facilty at Hull University. Allam is no Mike Ashley. For the record I support Hull City and as much as I do want Allam to sell (and Allam is clear he badly wants to sell the club) I do acknowledge that under his stewardship we have had our most successful period in our history, such as it is. Perhaps the narrator would like to share with us his views on our potential new owner who also comes from a country with human rites issues and doesn't seem to have a huge amount of money behind him.

[@forechunkukee]

youre a champ. let no one silence you.

[@David1991.]

You're

[@TiNRiB]

I'd watch my back after this video Alfie!

[@TrophyhunterRMS]

I'm a Portsmouth fan and I have to say we are the only team to be taken over by a Saudi that doesn't have any money a decade ago

[@tomthomassony8607]

Did that Saudi owner even exist? Heard it wasn’t even a real person.

[@TrophyhunterRMS]

@@tomthomassony8607 I'm on about Solomon al-fahim the one who stole money from his wife to buy the club

[@tomthomassony8607]

@@TrophyhunterRMS at least Harry Redknapp carefully managed Pompey’s finances. All above board with ‘Arry.

[@TrophyhunterRMS]

@@tomthomassony8607 nice bit of sarcasm he also had a offshore account in his dog name

[@Ramandeep247]

Great video Alfie! You deserve a raise from your boss.

[@matteoj226]

The pure logic and moral clarity in this video is a joy to listen to.

[@danielkarmy4893]

That Staveley's face though - you can just tell there's absolutely nothing human there, it's terrifying.

[@fitz.g3240]

Will Prem players be 'Taking the knee' in solidarity for Yemenis human rights?

[@bushmonster1702]

Of course not. They are virtue signalling low iq hypocrites.

[@aaaak4]

whats the name of the finance channel

[@garygoldstein5972]

Does anyone know the channel name Alfie mentioned

[@shipu302]

His financial channel? It's called The Reluctant Investor.

[@jackkineke4638]

Absolutely perfectly done!! Thank you for breaking down all these absurd arguments that try to defend the PIF and Premier League - this video made me not feel crazy

[@ncedovilakazi1985]

The most important thing you didn't mention is the fact that Saudi Arabia has zero sanctions from the developed world. If they were sanctioned buying a football club wouldn't be possible but because... CAPITALISM. Yet here we are, the UK literally fund the Saudi government to maintain their Yemen war.

[@leonjicha9921]

We have arms deals in place and the government didn't want to talk about how the take over was approved because they fear it might hurt relations with saudi arabia, we're far away from sanctions unfortunately

[@Ahmed-Bin-Koshari]

@@leonjicha9921 No problem habibi I have heard that China has weapons also

[@beefcake1973aus]

Excellent video as always Alfie. Up until seeing this I felt very alone in my opposition to the takeover.

[@andysmith5997]

Is St James Park outdated? Didn’t get that feeling, Btw it used to be a firm in Glasgow that flogged them the crosses,gallows etc.

[@dorianr5191]

As someone from mainland Europe, who supports a team from my country's league, the entire celebrations of Newcastle fans just seem extremely foreign to me. I would rather see my club relegated than in the hands of people who violate human rights on a daily basis

[@vinhbao9738]

its easy to say until the money is in front of you. How rich are you i question?

[@dorianr5191]

@@vinhbao9738 Even tho you make a fair point, this is not what I was getting at. I do not condemn, in any way, the club or the players for taking the money. If I had the opportunity to earn a fortune for doing the things I was doing anyway, I would be stupid not to take it. However, what I do condemn is celebrating a murderer as a hero.

[@danpreston564]

In the late 90s Robin Cook, then Labour Foreign Secretary, tried to introduce a more ethical foreign policy agenda. He failed. The power of the money was just too great.

[@archstanton6102]

No way was Blair going to let him

[@danpreston564]

@@archstanton6102 I don’t think it was Blair that stopped him. It was international reality. If anything, it probably would have been Brown, not Blair. Brown held the purse strings.

[@archstanton6102]

@@danpreston564 Possibly but Blair led the country. His post-prime minister dealings have shown how corrupt he was. But I am sure Brown influenced things

[@danpreston564]

@@archstanton6102 Blair and Brown often functioned as two separate governments. Who knows how much Influence Blair had? Blair wasn’t perfect, but my god, what I’d give to have the 97 Blair back in power right now.

[@archstanton6102]

@@danpreston564 we can both agree on that

[@AndyNigel762]

Wonderfully put as always Alfie !!!

[@graudevicio8568]

To begin with, love your videos and your channel, keep up the good work! Now adressing to the matter in the video, I am not a Newcastle supporter, in matter of fact I really don't care for then... But If I was a Newcastle supporter, I really couldn't care less where the money came from, I would just be happy to see my team getting such a huge financial boost...

[@gordonwilson1631]

This is applied moral philosophy. Watch, listen, admire and learn.

[@DEATHSTARER]

I was eagerly awaiting your inevitable take on the new owners of the Toon Army.

[@walkermanning4330]

Amazing video! I understand ppl in the states don’t like football very much but ESPN and other outlets have literally not covered this at all…very sus

[@fireboltninja29]

can you do a video on bradford city, the fire, and how a club so big has ended up in league 2

[@matthewperry303]

As a Newcastle fan, I completely agree with him. The level of violation of human rights is incomprehensible to me because to be honest, I'm so far removed from it... As every Newcastle fan almost certainly is. It makes it extremely difficult to put this all into context. I will not hold it against any fan who wants to associate with the club, or completely distance themselves. It's very odd for me and many others, because it'll be good for the club, the local community. We'll see huge investment, regeneration into the local area that has been sorely missed for so long. We'll see the local economy grow and more jobs created. However I also see how bad this is for the premier League, football and sport. I see the damage sportwashing can and is doing. I see the way people change based of their live for sport and their teams. It's important to remember the fans are mostly happy that Ashley is gone (at least right now). Please don't blame the fans for this, we love our club no matter what, and we didn't ask for the new owners. Many will defend them purely because they love the club. I certainly hope that this is the catalyst for people to really start questioning the impact of sportwashing across all sport including F1 and boxing to name a few. Let's remember we're all on the same side. We don't want this in the sport, we don't want this in the places we love, Let's remember that.

[@pringleton]

Always love your content but have to slightly disagree- I don't believe it is complete gaslighting, that would insinuate that the supporters are being deceived. The supporters know who owns the club, we know who owns the club and the Premiership know who owns the club. Stavely has just given them all the ability to hide behind her statement, that's not to criticise Newcastle fans as any would do the same as Chelsea, City, PSG etc already have. Football is deeply corrupt to its core, never think otherwise

[@greenhandskelly5580]

The only person who isn't afraid to speak the truth. Well done.

[@TheLewisPlaysHD]

Thank you so much this needed to be said