Yasir Al-Rumayyan's long-time ally threatens legal action as former Newcastle United director sacked

Former Newcastle United director Majed Al-Sorour has threatened legal action after being sacked by PIF-owned club Al-Nassr.

Al-Sorour was appointed to the Magpies’ board of directors in May 2022 following the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia’s £305million takeover. However, his spell lasted only seven months as he left his position in December 2022.

At the end of the same season, United secured Champions League qualification for the first time in 20 years and Al Sorour was among the first to congratulate those at the club.

Majed Al Sorour ‘bound forever’ to Newcastle United

He wrote on LinkedIn: “Congratulations to my dear friends at NUFC for clinching a birth spot for the Champions League. Last year we were fighting to save ourselves from relegation and we finished 11th. This year, 4th maybe 3rd, either way won’t matter

“Mr. Chairman Al Rumayyan, your team-building ability and leadership are unprecedented and I am proud and honored to have served you last year and this year with Newcastle as director and chairman of the football committee. Now the task is to someone else and I wish them all the best.

“Amanda [Staveley] and Mehrdad [Ghodoussi], you both are tireless working friends Eddie [Howe], Jason [Tindall], best coaching staff you are amazing and my friendship with you is bound forever. Dan [Ashworth] and Darren [Eales] keep up the good work and best of luck next season.

Majed Al Sorour sacked from Al Nassr - threatens legal action

After departing St James’ Park, Al Sorour remained heavily involved in golf, serving as deputy chairman and CEO of Golf Saudi before returning to the football boardroom in January this year by taking up the role as chief executive officer at Al-Nassr, who PIF own 75% of.

But five months on and things have turned sour. After being relieved of his duties this week, Al Sorour has taken to X to threaten Al-Nassr with legal action.

He wrote: “Dear Al-Nassr fans, the price of love, loyalty, honesty, and openness with you has been great and costly.

“Today, my services were terminated in a manner I consider unprofessional, inappropriate, and unacceptable, so a legal battle will begin between me and the management running our club, and those who are in the right will prevail.

“(They didn’t present any plan, and then they claim they adopted all his suggestions, which were strategies, not suggestions.) To the global fans, I say (God help you).”

Al Nassr release Majed Al Sorour statement

Al-Sorour's dismissal stems from allegations that he publicly shared inaccurate information regarding the club on social media, which Al-Nassr’s board said was intended to mislead the public.

A statement read: "With reference to what was observed in the tweet attributed to Mr. Majed Mohammed Al-Sorour (via the X platform on June 12, 2025), it contained incorrect information and was an attempt to influence public opinion without relying on documented facts. Accordingly, the Board of Directors of Al-Nassr Club Company would like to clarify the following:

“Reports were received from external and internal parties regarding some of the practices carried out by the CEO. Pursuant to this, the Board of Directors unanimously issued a decision to freeze the powers of CEO Majid bin Mohammed Al-Sarour on May 8, 2025, and to investigate the veracity of the reports.

“The CEO was officially notified, fully aware of the details, and signed a declaration and pledge regarding the suspension of his powers until the completion of these investigations. He also signed a declaration and pledge of confidentiality not to disclose any information related to the company. The CEO (during the investigation period) violated his contractual obligations by posting a tweet from his personal account, damaging the company's reputation on social media platforms. After the Board took all necessary legal measures and granted the CEO the right to defend himself and have his statements heard, the Board of Directors unanimously decided to terminate the contract of the CEO of Al-Nassr Club Company.

“The Board affirms that the CEO has not presented any comprehensive strategic or operational plan since assuming his position in January 2025 that reflects the requirements or aspirations of the current phase. He has also failed to demonstrate sufficient engagement with a number of priority issues, despite his full administrative empowerment and the approval of all his proposals without exception. Al-Nassr Club Company reiterates its commitment to operating in accordance with relevant regulations and the highest standards of governance.”