The football seems a little slower and less urgent these days, St James’ Park a little quieter and more anxious. Sandro Tonali’s agent decided to make a little mischief on transfer deadline day, putting Arsenal on alert. During the takeover process, Amanda Staveley claimed that the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia had “massive plans to invest in the city, in housing, everything”. Layer five: last week, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia quietly but dramatically downscaled its vast £5.8tn Neom megacity project in the face of rising costs. For months there has been speculation within boxing that Saudi Arabia is beginning to taper down its generous mega-fight budget.

Source: The Guardian February 05, 2026 20:02 UTC