Eddie Howe: Newcastle Owners Remain Fully Committed Despite LIV Golf Funding Cut
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe addresses PIF’s LIV Golf funding cut, insisting the sovereign wealth fund stays focused on the club’s future amid poor form.
Despite four straight defeats and 14th place in the table, Eddie Howe says Newcastle’s Saudi owners are as committed as ever to the team...
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe stated on Friday that the club’s Saudi Arabian owners are still fully behind the team’s ambitions. He spoke despite the Public Investment Fund’s plan to end its backing of the LIV Golf series.
PIF has put over $5 billion into LIV Golf since its 2022 launch. On Thursday, the fund announced it would stop funding the breakaway tour after the 2026 season, leaving the circuit to find new financial support.
The sovereign wealth fund, led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has stakes across multiple sports. It completed the purchase of Newcastle United in October 2021.
Asked about meeting with PIF this week, Howe told reporters: “The owners and representatives of PIF were over and it was constructive, good meetings and I was a small part of that.
“It's always constructive because they clearly care so much about the football club,” the English manager added, speaking ahead of a home meeting with Brighton on Saturday.
“The long-term planning that is clearly going on, on a number of levels, it's exciting times ahead for the club, regardless of what happens short term.
“The desire is unchanged, to try and get to the top of the Premier League, to try and win as many trophies consistently as possible. I don’t think while PIF are our owners, or part owners, majority owners, that will change.”
When announcing the end of funding for LIV Golf, PIF stated that it would continue investing money abroad in line with its strategy. The fund said sports would remain a priority, covering both current holdings and future deals.
Eddie Howe speaks to the media ahead of Saturday's visit of Brighton to St. James' Park 🎙️
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) May 1, 2026Under Saudi ownership, Newcastle saw some early success. The club reached the Champions League twice and lifted the League Cup last season.
You can watch today's press conference on the Official Newcastle United App 📲 pic.twitter.com/4yIAE7F3BE
This season has been tougher. Newcastle sit 14th in the Premier League after losing four games in a row, which has sparked speculation about Eddie Howe’s position as manager.
“I’ve never needed clarity in my head, in the sense that I’m here, I’m working and I’m committed,” he said.
“A football club has to do what a football club has to do. The football club needs to see we are going in the right direction and there’s a positive feeling and fighting on all fronts.
“You can talk as much as you want but the proof is in how the team performs. I’m under no illusions that that needs to be positive.”
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