NEWS RELEASE FROM NUFC FANS AGAINST SPORTSWASHING

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NUFC FANS AGAINST SPORTSWASHING HAVE WRITTEN TO ALL POLITICAL PARTIES STANDING IN THE NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS ASKING THEM TO CLARIFY THEIR POSITION ON THE SAUDI STATE OWNERS OF THE CITY’S FOOTBALL CLUB

LETTER TO NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES 

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Andrew Page 07816 226527

nufcfansagainstsportswashing@gmail.com

John Hird nufcfansagainstsportswashing@gmail.com 

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NUFCFAS are asking political parties to circulate a letter to all candidates standing in the local elections in Newcastle on May 7th.

As Newcastle United fans who oppose the human rights abusing regime’s ownership of our club we are asking candidates to clarify their position regarding Newcastle City Council’s relationship with the club.

In the letter we refer candidates to the 8 suggestions and requests made to the present council leader Karen Kilgour in a meeting with Saudi human rights group ALQST last year.

ALQST explained that Newcastle City council could make a massive difference by publicly supporting Saudi prisoners of conscience. Unfortunately none of the 8 points have been acted upon by Karen Kilgour and the council leadership.

In the letter to council candidates we ask: “Can you assure me that if elected to Newcastle upon Tyne City Council in May 2026, you will do what you can to abide by the requests above and to ensure that the City Council does as well?”

MODERN DAY SLAVERY AND RACISM

NUFCFAS draws particular attention to point 8) “Liaise with the North East of England trade union movement to look at the implications of investments in Newcastle upon Tyne by companies such as NOON given the shocking details of mistreatment of workers in Saudi Arabia by the Newcastle United FC sponsor.”

The present council has a stated policy against Modern Day Slavery practices but has never taken up this issue with the Saudi owned football club, whose sleeve sponsor Noon is accused of these abhorrent practices which includes institutional racism.

The recent racist abuse suffered by a Sunderland player reminds us we should hold everyone accountable for discrimination, even sponsors and governments. Newcastle’s council leader, Karen Kilgour condemned the fan’s racism as “completely unacceptable” but has refused to do the same for the institutional racism practiced by a Newcastle United sponsor or indeed of the Saudi state which owns the club.

NUFCFAS said: “It is right to condemn individual fans spouting racist abuse but when are politicians going to address the institutional and systemic racism of the owners of Newcastle United? Their power and wealth should not make us turn a blind eye to their racism.” - NUFC: Condemning discrimination and racism

GREEN POLICIES

The present Newcastle City Council made a Net Zero 2030 pledge. Newcastle United Chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan is also Chairman of  Aramco, which is the world’s largest oil producer, worth around $1.6 trillion, making Aramco the world’s largest polluter and it remains deeply committed to expanding fossil fuel production. 

It is 98.5% owned by the Saudi Arabian state which also owns Newcastle United Football Club. In the past Newcastle City councillors and officials have made it clear they would welcome Saudi investment in the city, although little has been forthcoming. 

NUFCFAS is asking council candidates to say whether they think it appropriate that the city should welcome investment from Saudi Arabia when a major part of their sports sponsorship strategy is to block international climate action and protect its fossil fuel profits. Policies which on paper Newcastle City Council is opposed to. What will be the position of new councillors on this issue?    

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