The Football Association has spoken to Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to remind him of his responsibilities as a participant in English football, Sky News understands.
The intervention from football’s governing body follows Sir Jim’s comments about immigration.
The founder of the INEOS chemicals group told Sky News that Britain had been “colonised” by immigrants who were draining resources from the state.
It is understood that the FA advised Sir Jim that he should remember his football responsibilities when taking part in media interviews. However, he will not face further action from the governing body over his remarks.
Sir Jim, one of Britain’s richest men but a resident of tax-free Monaco, had told Sky News: “You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in.
“I mean, the UK has been colonised. It’s costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it?”
He later said he was “sorry that my choice of language has offended some people”.
Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe later apologised for the comments. Pic: AP
Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out expressed its disappointment that Sir Jim had not faced harsher repercussions for his comments.
In a statement, it said: “Kick It Out is disappointed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not been given a stronger sanction for bringing the game into disrepute.
“When speaking in any capacity, he is still a representative and co-owner of Manchester United, which has a global following.
“Unprompted, he brought the club into a TV interview where he was inaccurate with the facts and divisive with his language.
“At a time when various forces are seeking to divide society, football must stand united. We urge those in leadership positions to be mindful of the responsibility they carry. “
His comments had already prompted condemnation from leading figures in football and politics.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the comments “offensive and wrong” and urged the Man United co-owner to apologise.
He said in a post on X: “Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country.
“Jim Ratcliffe should apologise.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves went a step further – calling the comments “disgusting”.
Ratcliffe later did apologise, saying: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern.”
Some Man United supporters’ groups were unhappy with his apology, however.
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Preetam Singh of the Stretford Sikhs fans’ group said: “It was a very half-hearted apology, more of a justification of what he said.
“So I would expect, and I would hope, he and the club would maybe come out and make a statement with a proper apology.”
The Premier League club later made a statement distancing themselves from their co-owner’s comments.
They said Manchester is a city “anyone can call home”, adding the club boasts a “diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters”.
Some came out in support of the comments, however.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said they were “correct” but had prompted a backlash because some people “aren’t quite ready for it”.
