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Newcastle: St James' Park to host two Saudi Arabia friendlies in September

Saudi Arabia will play two international friendlies at Newcastle United's St James' Park.

The Green Falcons will face Costa Rica on Friday, 8 September and South Korea on Tuesday, 12 September.

A Saudi Arabia-backed takeover of Newcastle was completed in October 2021, with 80% of the funds provided by the state's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The friendlies will form part of the team's 2024 AFC Asian Cup preparations.

The Magpies' public-facing link with Saudi Arabia has been highlighted more prominently in recent months, with the club signing a shirt sponsorship deal worth £25m per year with state event company Sela, as well as revealing an away kit in a similar shade of green as the Saudi flag.