The Manchester United co-owner claims he did not authorize the use of his words in a political promotional video
Category: Politics
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, minority owner of Manchester United, has expressed his discontent over the use of his comments in a promotional video by the British political party Reform UK. The video, which was posted on social media by Reform leader Nigel Farage on September 26, 2026, features Ratcliffe’s controversial statement that "the UK has been colonised by immigrants," originally made during a February interview with Sky News.
Ratcliffe, 73, did not give permission for the video or the use of his remarks, according to a statement from INEOS, the petrochemical firm he controls. The company confirmed to The Athletic that Ratcliffe was unaware of the video’s existence prior to its release and did not consent to the inclusion of his comments. INEOS did not clarify whether they had requested the removal of the video from social media.
Reform UK maintains that since the clip was taken from a publicly broadcast interview, they were not required to seek permission to use it. The party stated that it has not received any complaints from Ratcliffe or INEOS and has no plans to alter or take down the video.
Ratcliffe’s remarks in February sparked considerable backlash, culminating in condemnation from then Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who labeled them "offensive and wrong." The English Football Association investigated the comments but chose not to take disciplinary action against Ratcliffe. In the aftermath of the initial controversy, Manchester United's head coach Michael Carrick emphasized the club's commitment to equality and diversity, stating that Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club.
In an apology issued after the February incident, Ratcliffe acknowledged that his "choice of language has offended some people". He later reiterated his concerns about immigration levels during a BBC interview on September 19, 2026, where he claimed the UK was "on the slide" and criticized both immigration and benefits policies. His comments prompted a strong reaction from the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club, which declared that Ratcliffe "must go," expressing disappointment that he had not learned from earlier criticisms.
Farage, a long-time ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has made immigration a central theme of Reform UK's platform. The party's use of football figures, including Ratcliffe and former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp, in promotional content has previously drawn criticism. In March 2026, Farage's visit to Ipswich Town resulted in backlash, leading the club's chairman to issue an apology for the distress caused by the politician's presence.
Public reaction to Ratcliffe's involvement in the Reform UK video has been largely negative, with many Manchester United fans expressing their displeasure. The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club’s call for Ratcliffe to step down reflects broader concerns about his repeated comments on immigration and wealth. Former Manchester United striker Eric Cantona also criticized Ratcliffe's stance, asserting that he would not have joined the club had Ratcliffe been the owner at that time.
Ratcliffe has faced scrutiny for his views on immigration and for his commentary on wealth and public perception. He has indicated that the unfavorable attitudes toward wealthy individuals in the UK have pushed him to reside in Monaco since 2020, citing a "culture of envy" as a reason for his decision.
The fallout from this latest controversy places Ratcliffe in a precarious position as he continues to hold a minority stake in Manchester United. The club's leadership has reiterated its commitment to diversity and inclusion, which may clash with Ratcliffe's public statements and the political affiliations he has unwittingly associated with.
As the situation develops, it is uncertain whether Ratcliffe will face any formal repercussions from Manchester United or if pressure from fans and supporters will lead to a reconsideration of his role within the club. The lack of action from INEOS or Ratcliffe in demanding the video’s removal raises questions about their future interactions with Reform UK.
Looking ahead, the political implications of Ratcliffe's comments may linger as the UK approaches upcoming elections, where immigration remains a contentious issue. The Reform UK party will likely continue to leverage high-profile figures like Ratcliffe to bolster its messaging, even as the backlash from the football community persists. In the meantime, Ratcliffe's next public statements will be closely examined, as stakeholders from both Manchester United and the broader public await his response to the growing calls for accountability.