Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, co-owners of Newcastle United, are reportedly preparing to depart from the club after a three-year tenure leading the organization. Their exit comes unexpectedly, with news emerging on July 10.
Staveley played a pivotal role in facilitating the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) acquisition of an 80% stake in Newcastle for £300 million ($379 million) in 2021, ending Mike Ashley’s 14-year ownership. However, she is now set to leave, paving the way for the Saudi group to assume full control of NUFC.
As part of the deal, Staveley acquired a 10% stake in the club after three unsuccessful attempts to buy Newcastle previously. The Premier League faced criticism for approving the Saudi-backed takeover, including concerns from Amnesty International about human rights implications.
Under their stewardship, Newcastle dramatically improved their fortunes on the field. Despite initially languishing in 19th place, decisive changes such as hiring Eddie Howe as manager led to a successful season in 2021-22, securing Premier League survival and setting the stage for subsequent achievements.
During their tenure, Newcastle made headlines with significant investments in players like Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes, spending approximately £92 million in one transfer window, the highest in Europe at the time.
Their ownership peak came in the 2022-23 season, finishing fourth in the Premier League and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in nearly two decades. However, the following season proved more challenging, marked by injuries, player suspensions, and a seventh-place finish, missing out on European competition.
With a strengthened corporate structure in place, including Darren Eales as chief executive and Paul Mitchell as sporting director, Staveley and Ghodoussi have opted to step away from their roles. Staveley’s stake in the club has reportedly decreased to 6%, with the Reuben family increasing their share.
While Staveley is expected to maintain ties with PIF and remain involved in football, her future role with Newcastle United remains uncertain.
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