What does the Saudi Arabia PIF's change in approach mean for Newcastle?

What does PIF's change in approach mean for Newcastle?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund bought a majority stake in Newcastle United in 2021ByCiaran Kelly, Newcastle United reporter and Dan Roan, Sports editorPublished5 minutes agoCommentsSaudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) set out to disrupt, but the fund has sent tremors through the world of sport in a very different way this week.On Wednesday, Yasir Al-Rumayyan - the fund's governor and chairman of Newcastle United - confirmed PIF were reviewing "some deals and investments"."Whether due to the war or reasons related to economic feasibility, we continuously reassess our priorities," he told the state-owned Al Arabiya news channel.Those words were uttered in a week PIF sold a 70% share in Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for £276m.They were voiced amid mounting speculation that the fund is to withdraw its backing for LIV Golf.But what about Newcastle?A very different investment to LIV GolfSpeculation has inevitably intensified that the PIF may look to reduce or end its funding in some of its other sports investments.Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund's newly-unveiled strategy for 2026 to 2030 has placed an emphasis on more sustainable investments after the country recorded a major budget deficit of $73bn last year, driven by increased spending and lower oil revenues.This position also appears to have been accelerated by the Iran war, which has caused disruption to Saudi Arabia's oil exportation. But even before that, there was a clear sense that there had been a shift in approach, with budgets being tightened, and the vast expenditure connected to the 2034 World Cup prioritised ahead of other sports investments.However, one source familiar with PIF has told BBC Sport that its divesting of its stake in Al-Hilal was always the intention, and that those in charge remained totally committed to Newcastle, who the f...