How PIF feel about Amazon possibly filming a Newcastle documentary – journalist

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Amazon reportedly want to make a documentary about Newcastle United, who are a club transformed since PIF completed a takeover.

The Magpies were in a desperate situation under Mike Ashley. The club was stagnating, while all hope had disappeared.

But last year’s takeover changed everything. PIF bought 80% of the club, with Amanda Staveley and Jamie Reuben splitting the remaining 20%

Since then, Newcastle have gone on quite the journey. Eddie Howe came in and guided the club to survival, which seemed unlikely at the start of 2022.

There have been plenty of new additions at St James’ Park, with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier signing for the club.

Newcastle suddenly have fresh ambition, and want to become one of the best teams around. Everything is changing, with huge improvements happening off the pitch too.

And now Amazon want to film a documentary about it. It was recently claimed by the Daily Mail that they would like Newcastle to be the subject of an All Or Nothing series. Jeff Bezos’ company have previously gone behind the scenes at Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal.

However, PIF are seemingly not convinced.

PIF unsure on Amazon doing a Newcastle documentary

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Amazon are interested in doing a series on Chelsea and one of Newcastle. However, he states that the majority shareholders are not 100% sold on the idea.

He wrote: “Amazon also want to do a series with Newcastle, which could well come first. But there is no agreement yet in place. PIF have some reservations and want guarantees there will be no anti-Saudi angle.”

PIF’s reported reason for not being keen on Amazon is a reminder of Newcastle’s uncomfortable relationship with Saudi Arabia.

It would be impossible for Amazon not to discuss the club’s ownership. If they failed to address any of the issues surrounding the regime, it would receive widespread criticism.

Perhaps a documentary could be a chance for chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan to speak about the project, PIF’s role and allegations of sportswashing. However, that is very unlikely to happen given the fact we have rarely heard from him since the takeover.

While a behind the scenes look at Newcastle would be incredibly exciting for Toon fans, it perhaps isn’t the best idea. It could prove to be a big distraction and hinder Howe’s side on the pitch.

Given the money that will likely be involved, an Amazon series or something similar will surely happen in the future. Whether it’s a good idea is another issue entirely.