NUFC takeover: statement from Chi Onwurah, Newcastle Central MP

The Newcastle United takeover has been completed. Below is a statement from Newcastle Central MP, Chi Onwurah.

For Newcastle United fans – who make up the majority of my constituents – the last few years have been an agony of frustration, disappointment and deception, further poisoned by the undisguised contempt of the club’s owner and the Premier League for fans’ hopes and investment in the club. We need to ensure proper regulatory oversight of football so that this does not happen again.

Fans do not get any say in football clubs’ ownership and I have campaigned with many of you against the actions on Mike Ashley and strongly condemned the role of the Premier League. I know that the end of the Ashley era is a day of celebration and joy for many.  

Saudi Arabia

This takeover is not only about Newcastle but Saudi Arabia, whose sovereign fund provides the majority of the financing. Many of us are horrified by the human rights record of Saudi Arabia which stands in direct opposition to the values of our city.

I understand the new owners believe this investment is a sign of change and a desire to open up on the part of Saudi Arabia and I hope that is true. I recognise the power of sport to communicate and bring people together, but as an anti Apartheid activist for many years, I believe sport is political. Certainly, this takeover has shown that.

Football fans should have a say

Football governance is broken as highlighted by the disastrous plans for a European Super League. Labour has long called for reform including proper independent regulation, an ongoing owners and directors test and an opportunity to get fans on boards so they can have a say in the club they love. 

Newcastle United fans are not the ones responsible for dictating the terms by which football club takeovers are decided or for regulating the global financial system which has seen the Saudi government and royal family make extensive investments in many sectors of the economy including Uber, Twitter & McClaren.  It is for government to set out the appropriate regulatory frameworks.

Whilst many will be overjoyed at the outcome the fact remains that for 14, 550 working families in Newcastle Central, this week’s most significant announcement will be the Government’s cut of £20 per week from Universal Credit.