Sir Jim Ratcliffe: Man Utd co-owner will face no action from the FA for controversial immigration comments
Sir Jim Ratcliffe said the UK has been "colonised by immigrants" in controversial comments to Sky News; the Man Utd co-owner later defended his stance in a statement; he will face no further action from the FA, who have reminded him of his responsibilities in media interviews
Friday 20 February 2026 18:55, UK
The Football Association (FA) will not take action against Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe over his Sky News interview which contained controversial comments about immigration.
The FA had been looking into whether he had breached regulations, but will not penalise the businessman. He has, however, been issued with a reminder of his responsibilities when taking part in media interviews.
Earlier in February, the INEOS founder warned Britain faces profound political, social and economic challenges, among them an unprecedented rise in immigration in recent years.
"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.
"The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn't it? I mean, the population of the UK was 58m in 2020, now it's 70m. That's 12m people."
However, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) estimates the population of the UK was 67m in mid-2020 and 70m in mid-2024. The UK population was estimated at 58.9m in 2000.
Ratcliffe later issued a statement defending his comments, which read: "I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.
"My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.
"My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK."
The initial comments were widely condemned, including by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham. Man Utd also released a statement saying the club "prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club" before noting that "equality, diversity and inclusion" has been embedded into everything the club does.
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said it was "disappointed" that the FA had decided against sanctioning Ratcliffe.
"When speaking in any capacity, he is still a representative and co-owner of Manchester United, which has a global following," a statement said. "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."
Carrick responds to Ratcliffe's immigration comments
Man Utd boss Michael Carrick was asked for his assessment on Ratcliffe's comments that immigrants had colonised the UK and about the impact of his words.
Speaking ahead of Monday's league trip to Everton, he said: "Sir Jim made his statement and the club made a statement on the back of it. It is not my place to add to that. Enough has been said in that regard.
"What I can say is that I have been around this club many years and we always make a huge impact globally and we are really responsible for that.
"Throughout the years, as a player and member of staff and as a supporter, we are really proud of the environment and culture we've got at the club.
"Equality and diversity and respect for each other is something we look to carry through every day. I have travelled the world and know what this club means to an awful lot of people.
"I am fully aware of the responsibility and we try to carry that out every day."
He added: "I am proud of what the club stands for and has done for so long."
