I don’t think they did beforehand, did they? I don’t think the Saudis did that.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Saudis did encourage a women’s team in Newcastle. They like to make themselves appeal to the locals; just look at Man City and the investment the Emiratis have done for charitable causes so Citeh fans think what wonderful custodians they are. Their purpose, alongside wealth and prestige, is to endear themselves and cover up questionable associations back home. I don’t think the Saudi owners would be bothered by a women’s team; to the owners we’re mostly unbelievers off to Hell anyway and it would make them appear caring for the fans to the outside.
If we started saying Saudi women should be able to play football, then there’d be trouble.
