Newcastle Manager Eddie Howe Confirms Saudi Owners’ Commitment Unchanged Despite PIF’s LIV Golf Funding Cut

The Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, bought a majority stake in Newcastle United in October 2021. Since then the club has qualified for the Champions League twice and won the 2023 League Cup. This season Newcastle sits 14th in the Premier League after four straight defeats, prompting speculation about manager Eddie Howe’s future. The club’s recent form has led to increased scrutiny from supporters and media regarding both tactical choices and squad depth. Howe’s contract runs until 2026, and the club’s hierarchy has emphasized stability amid the ownership transition.

- Howe told reporters that recent meetings with PIF owners were "constructive, good meetings" and he played a small part in them. - PIF announced on Thursday that it will cease funding for LIV Golf at the close of the 2026 season. - The fund has invested over $5 billion in LIV Golf since the series launched in 2022. - He noted that the discussions covered broader strategic topics beyond immediate match preparations. - The $5 billion figure represents one of the largest single‑sport commitments by a sovereign wealth fund in recent years.

The withdrawal of LIV Golf funding signals a shift in PIF’s sports investment focus, but Howe said the owners’ long‑term ambition for Newcastle—to reach the top of the Premier League and win trophies consistently—has not changed. Analysts will watch whether the redirected capital strengthens Newcastle’s squad or is allocated elsewhere. The fund said it will continue to deploy capital internationally, prioritizing sports as a sector for future investment. The next test comes when Newcastle faces Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, a match that could influence ongoing discussions about the manager’s position.