Newcastle United’s Saudi owners control a portfolio worth almost £700bn and are perpetually making bold new business players in the world of sport. After the Newcastle takeover in October 2021, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has increased its influence in Formula 1, launched the LIV Golf league, monopolised boxing, and is now conquering tennis. But football remains the venture that they are piling most of their chips on. Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup, replete with space-age stadium designs and brand new cities in the desert, will cost more than the £200bn Qatar spent to…