Newcastle United Football Club

Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Newcastle United Football Club is a professional football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, competing in the Premier League. It is renowned for its rich history, passionate fanbase, and iconic home ground, St James' Park.

CCI Score

-40.46

0.03% April 18

Latest Event

Saudi-led takeover raises human rights and sportswashing concerns

A consortium backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund completed its takeover of Newcastle United Football Club on October 8, 2021. Critics argue that the deal represents a case of economic collaboration with an authoritarian regime and serves as sportswashing to distract from serious human rights abuses, ultimately aligning the club with practices seen as supportive of fascist-leaning economic interests.

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TOADIE

Newcastle United Football Club is currently rated as a Toadie.

-30 to -44 CCI Score

Companies scoring in this range actively seek to please authoritarian regimes. They offer proactive support and assistance in exchange for preferential treatment, compromising ethical standards for business gains and political favor.

Latest Events

OCT

08

2021

Saudi-led takeover raises human rights and sportswashing concerns
-56.21

A consortium backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund completed its takeover of Newcastle United Football Club on October 8, 2021. Critics argue that the deal represents a case of economic collaboration with an authoritarian regime and serves as sportswashing to distract from serious human rights abuses, ultimately aligning the club with practices seen as supportive of fascist-leaning economic interests.
-80

Economic and Structural Influence

March 18

The takeover by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s PIF is indicative of economic collaboration with an authoritarian regime. The acquisition has been widely criticized as an act of sportswashing, using the allure and global prominence of a football club to mask a problematic human rights record. This move elevates concerns about the infusion of capital from regimes known for authoritarian practices into traditionally non-political institutions, undermining democratic and human rights values.

Saudi-led consortium completes takeover of Newcastle United Football Club
OCT

08

2021

Criticism of Saudi-backed takeover as sportswashing
-36.53

Human rights NGOs have criticized Newcastle United's takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, arguing that the deal facilitates sportswashing and normalizes an authoritarian regime with a poor human rights record.
-40

Public and Political Behavior

March 18

The acceptance of Saudi investment raises significant concerns about the club indirectly endorsing authoritarian practices. Critics argue that by aligning with funds linked to a repressive regime, Newcastle United contributes to normalizing political authoritarian influence, effectively sportswashing a government known for severe human rights abuses.

Human rights NGOs criticise Saudi-backed Newcastle Utd. takeover as sportswashing
-70

Economic and Structural Influence

March 18

The takeover, driven by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, is seen as a clear case of economic collaboration with an authoritarian regime. The financial engagement is perceived as a strategic move to sanitize the regime’s image through sportswashing, thereby indirectly endorsing practices associated with severe human rights violations.

Human rights NGOs criticise Saudi-backed Newcastle Utd. takeover as sportswashing
SEP

03

2020

Newcastle United Sponsorship Linked to Labor Rights Abuses in Associated Supply Chain
-40.93

Investigations revealed that Noon, the Saudi Arabian online retailer sponsored by Newcastle United Football Club, is involved in severe labor rights abuses including wage theft, forced labor and inhumane working conditions. This association raises ethical concerns about the club's sponsorship choices and their indirect support of exploitative practices.
-70

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

October 1

Newcastle United FC’s sponsorship of Noon links it indirectly to serious labor rights abuses. Reports highlight issues such as wage theft, forced labor, excessive working hours, and discriminatory practices, suggesting a lack of due diligence in choosing ethical partners. This association diminishes the club’s commitment to human rights and ethical labor relations.

Saudi Arabia: Migrant workers at retail giant & Newcastle Utd sponsor Noon tell of wage theft, threats, long hours, heat exposure & discrimination; incl. co. responses
-60

Supply Chain Ethics

October 1

The connection to Noon raises significant concerns regarding supply chain ethics. The club’s financial association with a company reported to be involved in exploitative labor practices suggests a failure to engage in responsible sponsorship evaluations, thereby indirectly supporting corrupt supply chain methods.

Saudi Arabia: Migrant workers at retail giant & Newcastle Utd sponsor Noon tell of wage theft, threats, long hours, heat exposure & discrimination; incl. co. responses
MAY

22

2020

Saudi Arabia and Newcastle United: A controversial takeover
-28.15

Newcastle United Football Club's acceptance of an 80% stake takeover by a Saudi-led consortium has raised concerns over sportswashing and the legitimization of authoritarian regimes in global sports, sidelining fan representation and democratic oversight.
-30

Public and Political Behavior

March 18

The club’s acquiescence to a takeover by a consortium backed by an authoritarian regime reflects a concerning lack of public and political resistance. This decision bypasses meaningful engagement with fans and community stakeholders, effectively signaling approval of external political influence in sports.

Saudi Arabia and Newcastle United: A controversial takeover
-70

Economic and Structural Influence

March 18

By allowing an authoritarian-backed takeover, Newcastle United Football Club is complicit in economic collaboration that facilitates sportswashing. This action lends legitimacy to a regime known for severe human rights abuses and undermines broader democratic accountability in sports.

Saudi Arabia and Newcastle United: A controversial takeover