Newcastle takeover by Saudi fund ‘90% certain’

Liam Watson
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been identified as a major partner in the latest takeover bid for top-tier English Premier League soccer club Newcastle United, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The fund, which is chaired by the kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, is reportedly backing a deal alongside Dubai-based British financier, Amanda Staveley; her husband, Mehrdad Ghodoussi; and British billionaire property investors, David and Simon Reuben.

British newspaper the Guardian has reported that the deal, which values the Premier League club at UK£340 million (AUD$656.8 million), is ‘90 per cent certain’ to happen. A shell company, PZ Newco, was registered by Staveley to facilitate a potential investment on 6th January. PZ refers to Project Zebra – the code name for the planned Newcastle takeover.

The Magpies’ current owner, retail tycoon Mike Ashley, could sign off on an agreement very much in the short-term, according to the Guardian. However, Ashley has reportedly been unhappy with the massive leak and could potentially put the takeover in jeopardy.

It is also reported that Staveley hopes to assume a ten per cent stake in the final agreement. The exact level of Saudi involvement is uncertain, with the Athletic reporting that the Reuben family represent 20 per cent of the consortium.

According to the Guardian, due diligence has been completed and advanced talks have been ongoing for months. Staveley, who has failed with bids for Newcastle before, reportedly approached the Saudis regarding investment and is seeking to be the face of the club post-takeover.

The involvement of the PIF, one of the world’s largest investment operations, is controversial due to Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record, lack of women’s rights, violent media suppression and its association with Islamic fundamentalism.

If an agreement is struck, it is reported that UK£200 million (AUD$383.6 million) has been allocated for investment in Newcastle’s playing squad and regeneration of the city.

If this big-money agreement goes through, it will give a significant boost to a club that has fallen in recent times compared to its former glory. The club currently sits 14th on the EPL table after 24 matches played, just seven points clear of the relegation places.

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Football Queensland and SW Brokerage begin new partnership

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Image credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

In an announcement made on Tuesday, Football Queensland revealed that SW Brokerage will become their new Official Financial Wellbeing Partner.

A partnership for on and off the pitch

By collaborating with SW Brokerage, Football Queensland now has an immensely experienced and knowledgable partner capable of pushing them towards their financial goals.

Football Queensland CEO, Robert Cavallucci, revealed his confidence that such an alliance will bring huge benefits to clubs and participants in Queensland.

“We’re delighted to welcome SW Brokerage to support our participants across the state to better understand the financial products and services they can benefit from through tailored financial education guides, articles and webinars,” Cavallucci said via official press release.

“As a Residential, Commercial and Business brokerage, SW Brokerage provides services for a variety of clients from first home buyers to commercial loans, SMSF lending and more, and bring a wealth of knowledge for our football community to tap into.”

As Football Queensland continues to form partnerships which can maximise growth and sustainability in the seasons to come, it is no wonder why bringing SW Brokerage on board is seen with such pride.

 

The foundations for a sustainable future

News of collaboration between SW Brokerage and Football Queensland represents another huge milestone for Football Queensland’s future.

In the last two months alone, Football Queensland revealed three partnership agreements, all of which reflect an ambition to support long-term growth across the region’s football pyramid.

  • Restore Function Physiotherapy – Official Physiotherapy Partner
  • BildGroup – Official Infrastructure and Surfacing Partner
  • SW Brokerage – Official Financial Wellbeing Partner

Additionally, if Queensland’s football community is to lay the foundations for future generations of players, coaches and industry leaders, partnerships of this nature will be essential.

They are not established as simple, short-term collaborations, but are effective alliances which can bring real benefits to all involved in the region’s football community.

About SW Brokerage

With over 100 years of combined experience, SW Brokerage is a trusted team of experienced professionals offering help and guidance with a multitude of financial solutions.

They offer services across residential, commercial, business, SMSF, medical and construction lending. However, despite their obvious financial prowess, they also valuable a personal approach. The team ensures that processes are simple and tailored to their clients needs and financial goals.

For more information about SW Brokerage, click here. 

Football Victoria Announces 2026 Country Championships To Be Held in Geelong

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Image Credit: Football Geelong

Football Victoria (FV) is delighted to confirm that the 2026 Football Victoria Country Championships will be staged in Geelong from June 6-8, 2026.

Over three days, the state’s top regional footballers will compete at Stead Park and Myers Reserve, home to Geelong SC and Geelong Rangers.

The Championships enter their second year under FV’s direct management. This marks the first event since the new regional football model launched in December 2025. Last year, Albury-Wodonga set a new standard. The event drew 4,000 visitors, 69 teams, and more than 1,200 players from across Victoria.

This year, eight regions converge at Geelong. Players, coaches, officials, and families will gather for one of the most anticipated tournaments in the competition’s 40-year history. The Championships remain central to FV’s talent identification strategy. Regional players have a prime opportunity to impress FV’s Talent ID team.

Regional Development Manager Lauren Stevens said she is proud to oversee the event for a second year. “This is the biggest annual celebration of regional playing talent. We’re thrilled to bring the Country Championships to Geelong in 2026,” Stevens said. “With great venues and strong support from the City of Greater Geelong, Football Victoria Geelong, Geelong SC, and Geelong Rangers, this will be an enormous event. We look forward to welcoming every region for a special weekend of football.”

CEO Dan Birrell highlighted the Championships’ vital role for regional football and the FV talent pathway. “This tournament remains one of Victoria’s longest-running football events. It’s a key pillar in our talent identification program. I look forward to celebrating another outstanding Championships with the regional football community.”

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