You are here

  • Home
  • Saudia sign Newcastle United deal that promises to ‘showcase Saudi Arabia to the UK’
Newcastle United
Newcastle United

Saudia sign Newcastle United deal that promises to ‘showcase Saudi Arabia to the UK’

Saudia sign Newcastle United deal that promises to ‘showcase Saudi Arabia to the UK’
Saudia sponsored travel to and from Newcastle to Riyadh for the team's December 2022 warm-weather training camp in the Kingdom. (X: @SaudiAirlinesEn)
Short Url

https://arab.news/4k77d

Updated 19 October 2023
Liam Kennedy
Follow

Saudia sign Newcastle United deal that promises to ‘showcase Saudi Arabia to the UK’

Saudia sign Newcastle United deal that promises to ‘showcase Saudi Arabia to the UK’
  • The Magpies and the Saudi national airline further cement their commercial relationship as the club’s official airline partner
Updated 19 October 2023
Liam Kennedy
Follow

NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United have moved to further boost their Champions League spending power by securing an extended deal with Saudia.

The Magpies and the Saudi national airline have further cemented their commercial relationship as the club’s official airline partner, in a deal that is set to cover “2023/24 and beyond.”

The renewed multi-year partnership comes after Saudia sponsored travel to and from Newcastle to Riyadh for their December 2022 warm-weather training camp in the Kingdom. During that trip, the Magpies beat Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal to claim the inaugural Diriyah Season Cup at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium.

Celebrating the news, Saudia took to X to post: “Soaring to new heights on and off the pitch. We are excited to embark on this journey with the most passionate fans in the world as @NUFC’s Official Airline Partner. Howay the lads #ThisIsHowWeFly.”

 

 

The statement confirming the deal said that the airline, which flies to more than 100 destinations around the world from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, was looking to connect Newcastle United fans with the Kingdom “through exclusive offers and experiences.”

Of the agreement, Newcastle United’s chief commercial officer, Peter Silverstone, said: “This is a natural step in our growing relationship with Saudia and follows our hugely successful partnership in 2022.

“We were incredibly impressed with Saudia, both on board our flights to and from the Middle East, and in what we experienced as our teams activated our partnership during the 2022/23 season. Saudia’s partnership activations were extremely well-received by our growing local and global fanbase, with incredible digital results being achieved by both parties.

“Our ambition is to grow Newcastle United globally and to become the most popular Premier League club in Saudi Arabia and other territories around the world.

“Saudia will open up new markets for Newcastle United as we strengthen our connection with fans across the globe. We are very excited about the journey ahead. We relish the challenge and opportunity to support Saudia as it looks to expand its route network, and reach new audiences, through the huge global awareness Newcastle United can provide.”

Saudia’s Group Chief Marketing Officer Khaled Tash said: “At Saudia we have always strived to create meaningful connections that transcend boundaries, and our partnership with Newcastle United aligns with this vision. We recognized in Newcastle United a club with a rich history, strong values and a passionate fanbase that resonates with our own principles.

“The opportunity to connect with Newcastle United’s fanbase is a source of great excitement. The prospect of forging a bond with millions of fans and bringing them closer to our brand and values, and to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is truly exciting.

“With our expanding route network and premier product we are keen to reach new audiences showcasing Saudi Arabia to the UK population but also growing awareness of the multiple leisure and business travel destinations Saudia provides through its hyper-connected global network.”

The deal is not only good news for Saudia, it will be music to the ears of head coach Eddie Howe, who is looking to further strengthen the club’s squad in the January transfer window.

Newcastle have been hampered by UEFA financial fair play and Premier League “profit and sustainability” rules, which only allow a club to make a limited loss across three financial years, in recent windows, limiting what can be spent on new recruits for the Magpies’ squad, as they fight on four fronts this season.

The deal comes on the back of Newcastle penning commercial contracts with the likes of Adidas, which begins next season, and newly launched UK “iGaming” and online sports betting brand BetMGM.

Topics: Newcastle United Saudia

Related

Saudia Group played key role in success of Hajj season 2023
Corporate News
Saudia Group played key role in success of Hajj season 2023
Champions League ‘hangover’ to blame for dropped points at West Ham: Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe
Sport
Champions League ‘hangover’ to blame for dropped points at West Ham: Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe

Al-Hilal stroll past Al-Ittihad in top of the table Clasico clash

Al-Hilal stroll past Al-Ittihad in top of the table Clasico clash
Updated 1 min 10 sec ago
John Duerden
Follow

Al-Hilal stroll past Al-Ittihad in top of the table Clasico clash

Al-Hilal stroll past Al-Ittihad in top of the table Clasico clash
Updated 1 min 10 sec ago
John Duerden

Al-Hilal defeated Al-Ittihad 3-1 in the Saudi Clasico on Saturday to make it four wins from four to go three points clear at the top above the visitors at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings.

It was all too easy for the defending champions as they were three goals up by the end of the first half in what was an ominous performance for the rest of the league. Red-hot striker Aleksandar Mitrovic scored goals seven and eight this season before Salem Al-Dawsari put it beyond the Jeddah team with an exquisite strike.

While Al-Hilal had won all of their last seven games against Al-Ittihad in all competitions, such a comfortable victory was not expected as this was not only the first Saudi Clasico of the season but a highly-anticipated meeting between the top two who have been in great form.  With Ettifaq losing 3-0 to Al-Nassr on Friday, the two teams were the only ones left still with maximum points and something had to give in the capital. Before Saturday, Al-Ittihad had been looking very good indeed and had enjoyed plenty of rest but it wasn't enough.

Hilal, who went to Qatar midweek to defeat Al-Rayyan in the first game of the AFC  Champions League Elite, made the early running, roared on by their fans. In just the third minute they were ahead. Ruben Neves floated over a perfect cross from the right and there was Mitrovic at the far post to send a perfect header into the net. The former Fulham forward has been on fire this season so far.

It was not the start that Al-Ittihad wanted but it got worse ten minutes later. Brazilian full-back Renan Lodi went over in the area, the referee pointed to the spot and Mitrovic fired home goal number eight of the season. The task for Al-Ittihad became even harder eight minutes before the break but even the impressive number of away fans in Riyadh must have appreciated the third goal.

Al-Dawsari advanced down the left, entered the area and then flicked the ball over Predrag Rajkovic in what was a beautiful fashion. It was a goal from a player at the top of his game playing for a team that simply does not lose. Al-Hilal have won 19 league titles and do not give up three goal leads. From that impudent strike, it was just a question as to what the scoreline would be.

At half-time, Laurent Blanc had much to do but the Frenchman is not the first Ittihad boss to struggle against Al-Hilal. Ittihad’s record against their blue rivals has become a real concern. In 24 clashes since 2016, the Tigers had won just one and lost 18 and all knew that winning would be a huge statement to the rest of the league and, indeed, to themselves and their fans. Now the number is 19 losses.

The second half was not quite as dramatic as the first. Al-Dawsari headed over from a good position but Hilal did not seem to be too concerned about getting a fourth.

It was Al-Ittihad who scored next even if it was a little too little, too late as it came four minutes from the end. Moussa Diaby, who recorded four assists last week, broke free down the middle, squared the ball left to Karim Benzema who side footed the ball into the net for his fifth goal of the season so far. The Frenchman scored once more deep into injury time but it was ruled out by the referee.

In the end though it was a straightforward victory for the Riyadh giants though the biggest positive for Al-Ittihad and the rest of the league is that there is still a long way – and a lot of excitement – to come.

Topics: Al-Hilal

Ten Hag bemoans Man Utd's lack of killer instinct in Palace stalemate

Ten Hag bemoans Man Utd's lack of killer instinct in Palace stalemate
Updated 21 September 2024
AFP
Follow

Ten Hag bemoans Man Utd's lack of killer instinct in Palace stalemate

Ten Hag bemoans Man Utd's lack of killer instinct in Palace stalemate
Updated 21 September 2024
AFP

LONDON: Manchester United must be more ruthless said Erik ten Hag after missing a host of chances in a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes hit the bar for the visitors in the first half as United dominated on a ground where they were thrashed 4-0 just four months ago.
But only a stunning double save from Andre Onana after the break denied Palace their first league win of the season.
A point leaves United down in 11th after winning just two of their opening five matches of the new Premier League campaign.
“I’m not content, we should have won,” said Ten Hag. “First half we left them alive, the second half was more balanced.
“We played very good (in the first half), total control of the game, the only thing was in the box and in the box is where the game is decided. We should be more clinical there.”
The humiliation of their last visit to Selhurst Park in May was the nadir of a troubled season for United.
Many wondered whether Ten Hag would even oversee another match but a shock FA Cup final victory over Manchester City handed the Dutchman a second chance.
The Red Devils this time arrived in south London on a high after scoring 10 goals in the past week to dispose of Southampton 3-0 and smash Barnsley 7-0 in the League Cup in midweek.
Marcus Rashford had ended a barren run by scoring three times in those two matches, but he was surprisingly dropped to the bench by Ten Hag.
However, the decision to keep Garnacho on the left was inspired as the Argentine tore Palace to shreds early on without applying the final touch.
Former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson kept the Eagles in the game before half-time.
Garnacho did not get enough on his curling effort to beat Henderson with his first big chance before the England stopper denied Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.
United knew their luck was not in when the visitors then hit the bar twice in the matter of seconds.
Garnacho sprinted onto Diogo Dalot’s incisive pass to curl off the woodwork before Fernandes’ follow-up effort also clipped the bar.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner reacted with a double substitution at half-time which resulted in a far more competitive second half.
“In the first half we needed a great goalkeeper and fortunately we had one today,” said Glasner.
“In that second half it was more like a Crystal Palace team and that is what we need to be competitive against a team like Manchester United.”
Fernandes was inches away once more with an audacious outside of the boot effort that flew wide after a neat one-two with Joshua Zirkzee.
But only a moment of magic from Onana prevented United from slipping to a third defeat in five league games this season.
The former Ajax ‘keeper got down well to parry Eddie Nketiah’s strike from distance before leaping off the ground to prevent Sarr tapping in the rebound.
“It’s not so important (how I made the double save) because we didn’t win,” said Onana. “Unfortunately we didn’t score. It’s pitiful to go back home with the one point when you deserve to win.”
Palace had another huge chance to snatch all three points when Eberechi Eze side-footed wide with the goal gaping from close range.
A draw leaves Palace down in 16th, but it is United who will be more frustrated with the missed opportunity to gain some momentum with three wins in eight days.

Topics: Manchester United Crystal Palace Erik ten Hag English Premier League (EPL)

Chelsea owners ‘happy’ with win at West Ham amid rift report

Chelsea owners ‘happy’ with win at West Ham amid rift report
Updated 21 September 2024
AFP
Follow

Chelsea owners ‘happy’ with win at West Ham amid rift report

Chelsea owners ‘happy’ with win at West Ham amid rift report
Updated 21 September 2024
AFP

London: Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca revealed co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali were “all happy” after they celebrated Saturday’s 3-0 win at West Ham despite reports of a power struggle between the pair.
Boehly and Eghbali are said to have fallen out over a number of issues since their Stamford Bridge takeover in 2022, with reports claiming each wants to buy the other’s stake in the Premier League club.
It has been a turbulent time for Chelsea under Boehly and Eghbali, who have parted company with a host of managers while spending over £1 billion ($1.33 billion) on new signings in an unsuccessful attempt to revive the Blues’ fortunes.
Regardless of their alleged rift, the pair were at the London Stadium to see Nicolas Jackson’s first-half double and a strike from Cole Palmer to give Chelsea their third league win under new boss Maresca.
The Italian said Boehly and Eghbali visited the dressing room after the final whistle to congratulate the players, who have scored 10 goals in their three away league victories this term.
“Not only today, it’s always good when we win games for the owners, especially because they were both here,” Maresca said.
“We can give them some good moments. They were in the changing room, they were all happy.”
Chelsea finished sixth and 12th in the last two seasons and haven’t won the Premier League since 2017.
While Chelsea have shown signs of improvement in the early days of Maresca’s reign, the former Leicester boss warned against being lulled into thinking their problems have all been solved.
“I think we’re on the right path,” he said. “We’re in the right direction, but it’s a long journey.
“We won today and we’re in a good moment, it looks like everything is fine. But not everything is fine. We could attack better, defend better.
“For me, the main target in this moment is to see how we progress as a team and I think we are improving many things, even if today we could manage the game much better.”

Topics: Chelsea West Ham United

Guardiola tells players to lead change over workload fears

Guardiola tells players to lead change over workload fears
Updated 20 September 2024
AFP
Follow

Guardiola tells players to lead change over workload fears

Guardiola tells players to lead change over workload fears
Updated 20 September 2024
AFP

LONDON: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has urged players to lead the fight for change in the heated debate over the dangers posed by an increased fixture schedule.
City midfielder Rodri recently suggested players would consider going on strike in a bid to halt the dramatic rise in matches crammed into an already hectic calendar.
With the Champions League first stage now featuring an additional two matches and the expanded Club World Cup at the end of the season, Guardiola’s Premier League champions could play a maximum of 76 matches during the 2024/25 campaign.
Top players also have international fixtures to factor into the gruelling schedule.
Global players’ union FIFPro has said footballers should play a maximum of 50 to 60 games per season, depending on their age.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker joined the row when he said players were not given a voice by the sport’s authorities to express their concerns.
Many leading managers have expressed support for the players’ concerns, with Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany calling for a cap on the number of games a player is allowed to feature in each year.
As the debate intensifies, Guardiola says players have the power to spark change because the sport cannot go on without them.
“I’m pretty sure that if something is going to change, it must come from the players,” he said.
“They are the only ones who can change something about the organization, to take a voice.
“The business can be without managers, sporting directors, media, owners but without players you cannot play. The only ones with the power to do it are them.”
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea will, like City, take part in the Club World Cup in the United States at a time when the players would otherwise be resting.
The Italian hinted a strike could be a course of action to tackle the problem.
Asked whether there are too many games in the current calendar, Maresca said: “Yes, no doubt. In terms of games, it’s too much.
“I don’t think we protect players. We can say what we think and for me it’s completely wrong the amount of games that we have.
“The only ones that can do something are the players and we can help them. In the last two weeks some of the players have tried to explain what they think. I think it’s a good starting point.
“Some of them have said (they could strike). I think it could be an idea for them.”

Barca stumble at Monaco after early red card

Barca stumble at Monaco after early red card
Updated 20 September 2024
AFP
Follow

Barca stumble at Monaco after early red card

Barca stumble at Monaco after early red card
Updated 20 September 2024
AFP

MONACO: Barcelona fell to a 2-1 defeat at Monaco on Thursday in their Champions League opener, hindered by an early red card shown to Eric Garcia.
Hansi Flick’s side have started the season with a perfect record after five La Liga matches but struggled to find their best level against the Ligue 1 side.
After Garcia was sent off for pulling down Takumi Minamino as he ran through, Maghnes Akliouche fired Monaco ahead.
Starlet Lamine Yamal scored a fine equalizer for Barcelona but George Ilenikhena grabbed the winner for Monaco in the 71st minute.
Five-time winners Barcelona, last crowned European champions in 2015, have struggled in Europe in recent seasons, particularly away from home and were brought crashing down to earth in the French Riviera.
Monaco thrashed Barcelona in a pre-season friendly and had the Catalan giants’ number for much of the clash at the Stade Louis II.
They were significantly aided by Garcia’s dismissal after 11 minutes, for felling former Liverpool midfielder Minamino on the edge of the box.
A careless pass from Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen put Garcia under immediate pressure and he tangled with the Japan international as he tried to stop him running in on goal.
Monaco soon took the lead after 17 minutes when Akliouche worked his way into the box and finished well under little pressure.
With Barcelona at a numerical disadvantage the hosts were on top and Raphinha squandered the visitors’ best openings despite his impressive domestic form of late.
Monaco had kept Spain’s Euro 2024 star Yamal quiet but he burst into life to level before the half-hour mark, cutting in from the right and drilling inside the near post.
The teenage made it look easy to score a goal out of nothing, becoming the second youngest scorer in Champions League history at 17 years and 68 days old.
The record-holder watched on from Barcelona’s bench — Ansu Fati, who netted in 2019 against Inter Milan at 17 years 40 days of age.
Alejandro Balde bundled off target for Barcelona but Monaco came closer, with Breel Embolo firing at Ter Stegen and Wilfried Singo having a goal disallowed for offside.
Monaco took the lead when the dangerous Vanderson played a long ball over the top which substitute Ilenikhena ran on to, with Inigo Martinez in his rearview mirror.
The 18-year-old Nigerian forward hit his shot hard and low and it flew into the net via a hand from Ter Stegen, who might have kept it out.
The German stopper achieved some redemption when he produced a superb save to keep out Folarin Balogun’s ferocious effort.
Monaco were awarded a penalty late on when Balogun tumbled to ground under pressure from Martinez, but the referee changed his decision after a VAR review.
Flick threw on Fati for his first Barcelona appearance since August 2023 in search of an equalizer but it was not forthcoming.

Topics: Barcelona Monaco UEFA Champions League

Related

Raphinha bags hat-trick as Barca trounce Valladolid in La Liga
Sport
Raphinha bags hat-trick as Barca trounce Valladolid in La Liga
Man City and Inter Milan draw 0-0 in goal-shy Champions League. PSG score late to beat Girona
Sport
Man City and Inter Milan draw 0-0 in goal-shy Champions League. PSG score late to beat Girona

Latest updates

Sullivan expresses worry over escalating Israel-Lebanon tension, calls Hezbollah strike as justice served
Sullivan expresses worry over escalating Israel-Lebanon tension, calls Hezbollah strike as justice served
Al-Hilal stroll past Al-Ittihad in top of the table Clasico clash
Al-Hilal stroll past Al-Ittihad in top of the table Clasico clash
Israelis rally to pressure government on hostage release
Israelis rally to pressure government on hostage release
Iran’s Supreme Leader says Israel is committing ‘shameless crimes’ against children
Iran’s Supreme Leader says Israel is committing ‘shameless crimes’ against children
Chad floods killed 503, 1.7 million affected: UN
Chad floods killed 503, 1.7 million affected: UN

Search form

Print Edition
Read pdf version Subscribe now
© 2024 SAUDI RESEARCH & PUBLISHING COMPANY, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement.