The Football Association (FA) will not take legal action against Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe over a Sky News interview that included controversial comments about immigration.
The FA was investigating whether the player breached regulations but will not impose any penalties on the businessman. However, he has been warned to remember his responsibilities when taking part in media interviews.
In early February, the INEOS founder warned that the UK faces serious political, social and economic challenges, including an unprecedented rise in immigration in recent years.
“It’s impossible to sustain an economy with 9 million people on benefits and a huge influx of immigrants,” Ratcliffe said. “So Britain is colonized, it costs too much money.
“The UK has been colonized by immigrants, isn’t it? So the population of the UK was 58 million in 2020 and now it’s 70 million. That’s 12 million.”
However, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates the UK’s population to be 67 million in mid-2020 and 70 million in mid-2024. The UK’s population was estimated at 58.9 million in 2000.
Mr Ratcliffe later issued a statement defending his comments, saying: “I regret that my choice of words has hurt and caused concern to some people in the UK and Europe, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.”
“My comments were made in response to questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of UK economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing.
“My intention was to highlight that the Government must manage immigration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by all. It is important that we maintain an open debate about the challenges facing the UK.”
The initial comments were widely condemned, including by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Manchester United also released a statement, saying the club was “proud to be an inclusive and welcoming club”, noting that “equality, diversity and inclusion” are embedded in everything the club does.
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said it was “disappointed” that the FA had decided not to sanction Ratcliffe.
“No matter what capacity he speaks, he remains the representative and co-owner of Manchester United, which has a worldwide following,” the statement said. “Without permission, he brought the club into a television interview in which he made factual inaccuracies and used divisive language.
“At a time when various forces are trying to divide society, the world of football must come together. We urge those in leadership positions to be aware of their responsibilities.”
Mr Carrick responds to Mr Ratcliffe’s comments on immigration
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Michael Carrick says everyone at Manchester United understands the club’s global influence and stressed the importance of equality and respect following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent comments.
Man United manager Michael Carrick was asked to assess Ratcliffe’s comments about immigrants colonizing Britain and the impact of those words.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s league trip to Everton, he said: “Sir Jim has made a statement and the club have made a statement based on that. It’s not my place to add to that. Enough has been said on that point.”
“What I can say is that I have been at this club for many years and have always had a big impact globally and I have a real responsibility for that.
“Over the years, as players, members of staff and supporters, we are really proud of the environment and culture at the club.
“Equality, diversity and mutual respect are what we strive to live up to every day. I have traveled all over the world and know what this club means to so many people.
“I am fully aware of that responsibility and we strive to fulfill it every day.”
He added: “I’m proud of what the club stands for and what we’ve done for so long.”
