Amanda Staveley was a huge driving force behind Newcastle’s Saudi takeover back in 2021 but is now set to depart the club after helping the Magpies back into the Champions League
Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley is set to leave the club just three years after playing a key part in the club’s Saudi takeover.
The 51-year-old played a crucial role as the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) bought an 80 per cent stake of the club for £300million (now $379m) in 2021. It saw Mike Ashley ’s much-criticised spell at St James’ Park come to an end.
As part of the deal, Staveley and her partner Mehrdad Ghodoussi bought a 10 per cent stake in Newcastle. The Reuben family also purchased the same sized stake.
But now, Staveley has departed. According to The Athletic, both she and Ghodoussi have left St James’ Park after selling their remaining shares to PIF, who informed Staveley of the decision. Newcastle have been approached for comment.
Their share in the club was previously diluted to six per cent earlier this year. Filings on Companies House also revealed that Staveley had resigned from her role as a director from the club.
But she disputed that fact in a statement. Taking to Instagram, she wrote back in April: “Just arrived back from Saudi and noticed a lot of messages from fans concerned that I had stepped down from my role as a director of Newcastle United.
“I have not – the changes made last week were purely administrative, to non trading subsidiaries. After the takeover, Jamie and I stepped in as directors of all companies until we could build an executive team.
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“We remain on the ‘top-co’ and the Board. I’d like to thank everyone for their incredible support over the last few years, and particularly for people taking the time to share their thoughts. We have the best fans in the world – and I am privileged and proud to be a part of your community.”
Staveley and Ghodoussi have both played pivotal roles at Newcastle over the past few seasons. They were crucial in Eddie Howe moving to the club, while they have also spearheaded Newcastle’s lucrative spending habits over recent seasons.
The Magpies have made a number of expensive signings, including the record £60m deal for Swedish forward Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad. Newcastle earned a spot in the Champions League during PIF’s first season at the club.
They suffered a group stage elimination. Howe’s side went close to regaining a spot in Europe last season having finished seventh. But they lost out on a place in the Europa League due to Manchester United winning the FA Cup against cross-city rivals Manchester City.
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