FA to look at whether Jim Ratcliffe broke football rules by saying UK ‘colonised’ by immigrants

The Football Association will look at whether Jim Ratcliffe brought the game into disrepute through his claims that the UK has been “colonised” by immigrants.

The Manchester United co-owner, a billionaire based in Monaco, caused widespread anger with his comments and has been called on by Keir Starmer to apologise. His remarks have not gone unnoticed within the FA, which will examine further before deciding whether he has broken any rules. It is too early to say whether any formal investigation will follow.

In an interview with Sky News on Wednesday, Britain’s seventh-richest man took aim at people receiving state support and immigrants. “You can’t afford … you can’t have an economy with 9 million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in,” he said. “The UK is being colonised by immigrants, really, isn’t it?”

Ratcliffe also cited incorrect figures concerning the UK’s population. Football organisations have joined politicians and other public figures in condemning his comments and their tone.

“Language of this kind echoes narratives that have historically been used to stigmatise migrant communities, fuel division, and legitimise hostility towards minority groups,” said a statement from Show Racism the Red Card. “Club influence should be used to challenge racism, not inadvertently amplify narratives that undermine community harmony.”

Kick it Out, the anti-discrimination body, described Ratcliffe’s words as “disgraceful and deeply divisive”. In a statement, it said: “In addition to the inaccurate figures mentioned, it’s worth reminding him that Manchester United has a diverse fanbase and plays in a city whose cultural history has been enriched by immigrants. This type of language and leadership has no place in English football, and we believe most fans will feel the same.”

The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club also criticised Ratcliffe. “Manchester United is a global club built on diversity – on players, staff and supporters from every background, faith and ethnicity,” it said in a statement. “The strength of our club, and of our country, lies in that diversity. We stand with all communities who reject racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and hatred in all its forms, and we call for leadership that unites rather than divides.”

Ratcliffe’s handling of United, who are fourth in the Premier League, has drawn fierce criticism from fans. Their high-profile appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach was a failure and the team are being led by Michael Carrick until the end of the season.

In a statement, the United supporters’ group the 1958 criticised Ratcliffe’s intervention and his decision to comment “on the issues of our country while living in Monaco to avoid paying tax”.

Ratcliffe bought a minority share in United in 2023 and has been labelled an “incompetent clown” by fans over his handling of football operations.