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Manchester United Owner Avoids Punishment for Immigration Comments

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 4:16 AM

England's Football Association has decided not to punish Manchester United owner Jim Ratcliffe after he made controversial statements about immigration. The billionaire previously apologized for saying Britain had been "colonised" by immigrants, comments that drew criticism from the Prime Minister.

England’s Football Association announced Saturday that Manchester United owner Jim Ratcliffe will not face punishment following his controversial statements about immigration in Britain.

The British billionaire had issued an apology last week for his word choice after stating that Britain had been “colonised” by immigrants. His original remarks prompted criticism from Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The FA released a short statement explaining their decision: “As background guidance, we have issued Sir Jim Ratcliffe with a reminder of his responsibilities as a Participant in English football when taking part in media interviews. We won’t be taking any further action.”

During a February 11th television interview, Ratcliffe, who founded the chemical company INEOS, argued that high immigration levels and welfare recipients were harming Britain’s economy.

“You can’t have an economy with 9 million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK has been colonised – it’s costing too much money,” Ratcliffe stated during his appearance with the broadcaster. “The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it?”

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick chose not to address the controversy directly on Friday, instead highlighting the team’s commitment to inclusivity and its worldwide fanbase.

“Equality, diversity and respect for each other is something we look to carry through every day,” Carrick said to reporters before their upcoming Premier League match against Everton.

Currently sitting fourth in the Premier League standings with 45 points from 26 matches, Manchester United will take on eighth-place Everton on Monday as they work to secure a top-four position and qualify for Champions League play.

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