Newcastle United host Manchester City on Saturday in a battle of the Premier League’s rich boys – but who has the wealthier owners?
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side are currently third in the table, but could close the gap with leaders Liverpool to just two points with a win.
Newcastle meanwhile are down in ninth after a disappointing run of results for Eddie Howe’s men. The Magpies lost 4-2 at Anfield last time out in the league, following defeats to Nottingham Forest and Luton Town.
They haven’t won in the league since beating Fulham 3-0 on 16 December, but did enjoy a derby day victory over Sunderland in the FA Cup.
As two of the richest clubs in the world, we at Sportslens have decided to compare the owners of Newcastle and Manchester City, to find out who is worth more.
Newcastle Vs Manchester City Owners Compared
Newcastle United – Public Investment Fund (PFI)
After years of minimal investment and fan protests, former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley finally sold up in 2021. The club was purchased by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PFI), which uses money from the country’s vast oil reserves to fund assorted sporting projects.
Although affiliated with the Saudi government, the Premier League has been assured that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has no control over Newcastle United.
That responsibility rests with PFI governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan. He manages the general running of the club, with Saudi’s 80% stake supplemented by PCP Capital PArtners and RB Sports & Media, who own the remaining shares.
Saudi’s PFI also now control the four biggest Saudi Pro League sides – Al Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal. It’s therefore no surprise to see the huge sums of money being offered by these clubs to lure some major European talents over to Saudi recently.
Saudi PFI – How Much Are They Worth?
The PFI are valued at roughly £315 billion, making them one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s own net worth is believed to be $25 billion. This makes him the eighth-most powerful person in the world according to Forbes.
Controversies
Unsurprisingly, the link between Newcastle and the Saudi government has caused some backlash. With the country’s anti-LGBT laws and poor human rights record, plenty were opposed to the takeover.
Saudi’s treatment of women has also been called into question, with government executions and public justice commonplace.
But biggest of all was the 2018 murder of exiled journalist, Jamal Khasoggi. A strong critic of Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince has vehemently denied any involvement in the jounralist’s death.
However, the CIA concluded Salman ordered the killing, with the Saudi attorney general admitting Khasoggi’s death was premeditated.
Manchester City – Sheikh Mansour
In September 2008, Emirati Royal family member Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan purchased Manchester City football club. Also the owner of City Football Group, the billionaire controls several other clubs.
They include Melbourne City, New York City and Mumbai City as well as La Liga title contenders Girona. It is believed Mansour has invested more than £2 billion into the club over the years.
However, in 16 years at the club, he has only been to two matches. Aside from the 2023 Champions League final, the owner attended one game back in 2010.
Sheikh Mansour Net Worth
With a net worth of around £17 billion, Sheikh Mansour is one of the richest men on the planet.
Currently the vice-president and deputy prime minister of the UAE, he is the brother of the UAE’s president, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Controversies
The Sheikh has taken significant criticism due to human rights issues in the UAE. Accused of sports-washing, a 2020 UEFA report alleged £30 million was given to Manchester City by unknown Emirati investors. It is believed those ‘investors’ were Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group.
When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, activists claimed Mansour assisted Russian oligarchs in moving their assets to the UAE to evade sanctions.
If an investigation finds the Sheikh was involved, he could be disqualified from owning Manchester City. This is due to the Premier League’s fit and proper owners tests, which prohibit such behaviour.
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