Monday, September 26, 2022 at 15:28• Tom Rofekamp • Last update: 15:31

The British government has actively pushed for the Saudi Arabian takeover of Newcastle United. Documents requested from the Department of International Trade show that former Secretary of State Gerry Grimstone has asked ex-Premier League chairman Gary Hoffman for ‘a way forward’, while the British government has always denied involvement. The meddling in the takeover is said to be part of a larger plan by ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson to raise capital outside the UK.

In October last year it was announced that Newcastle United would be taken over immediately by the Saudi Arabian investment fund PIF, which is overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Human rights organization Amnesty International, among others, spoke out strongly against the takeover, which is a textbook example of sports washing would be. It now appears that the British government has actively facilitated the change of power. From the newly released documents – published by the Guardian – it becomes clear that ex-minister Grimstone personally approached Hoffman to ensure the deal could go through.

In memos sent to the British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, among others, Grimstone confirmed that he had been in contact with Hoffman. In talks with the former Premier League president, the ex-minister is said to have made it clear that the then stalled process of the takeover (partly because of the role of the state in the investment fund) would be ‘sensitive’ and ’embarrassing’ for the relations with Saudi Arabia. “I can confirm on behalf of the highest ranks of the Saudi government that the plans are feasible, and we all know what that indicates,” Grimstone added.

The minister, who has since resigned, continued his involvement in inquiries from the Guardian however, deny it. “Part of my role as investment minister was to identify potential major foreign investment for the UK,” Grimstone said. “This was particularly important at Newcastle, as it was in the public domain and there was huge public interest in it. I’ve been clear with Mr Hoffman about communicating ideas between the PIF and the Premier League. only wanted to facilitate, not that I wanted to go beyond the autonomy of the Premier League.”