Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe could face possible action from the Football Association (FA) following his recent remarks about immigration.
The British billionaire sparked widespread backlash after claiming in an interview with Sky News that the UK had been “colonised” by immigrants, comments that reportedly drew criticism from Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in,” Ratcliffe said.
“I mean, the UK has been colonised. It’s costing too much money.”
Following the controversy, Ratcliffe released a statement apologising if he had “offended some people” with his choice of words.
The FA is understood to be reviewing his comments to determine whether they may have brought the game into disrepute. The governing body could decide to open a formal investigation, which may result in a charge if rules are deemed to have been breached.
Although any potential fine would likely be minimal for one of Britain’s wealthiest businessmen, such an outcome would represent an embarrassing development for the INEOS founder and part-owner of Manchester United.
A Downing Street spokesperson also weighed in on the issue, stating that the comments “play into the hands of those who want to divide our country.”
The situation remains under review, with the FA yet to announce whether formal proceedings will be initiated.
