In the latest episode of the True Faith podcast, host Alex Hurst spoke to Dr Neil Quilliam, an associate fellow with the Middle East and North Africa Programme with Chatham House.
In the podcast, Dr Quilliam spoke about many things, but one of the main topics was what this proposed takeover of Newcastle would mean for the people of Saudi Arabia and if it was a good PR move.
Here is what he had to say:
“I think there’s no doubt I mean suddenly you would have pretty much the whole population of Saudi Arabia supporting Newcastle.
“They would see that as a very, very positive and strong move, and to be part and parcel of the English Premier League would be a massive boost, shall we say.
“It would sit well, especially with Saudi youth, which is the predominant demographic in the country.”
It seems as if Dr Quilliam believes that this proposed takeover by Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium could lead to the Toon gaining a lot more fans in Saudi Arabia.
Would you welcome these new fans from Saudi Arabia?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts…
The podcast hosted by Hurst is superb, and Dr Quilliam provides some great insight that we feel is worth any Toon fan’s time to listen to.
It also seems as if the takeover, if it goes through, would go down well in Saudi Arabia.
However, the wait for the Premier League’s decision goes on, though Craig Hope believes that a decision is now days away.
The UK government is also thought to have leaned on the Premier League to get them to accept this takeover, and hopefully, an announcement is not far away.