The Football Association has warned Manchester United owner Jim Ratcliffe over his immigration comments but will not impose further disciplinary measures.
LONDON: Manchester United owner Jim Ratcliffe will face no disciplinary action from the Football Association for saying Britain had been “colonised” by immigrants.
The FA issued a statement confirming it had reminded Ratcliffe of his responsibilities as a participant in English football regarding media interviews.
“We won’t be taking any further action,” the FA said.
Ratcliffe, the British billionaire founder of chemicals giant INEOS, made the comments in an interview on February 11.
He said high migration and people living on benefits were damaging the economy.
“You can’t have an economy with 9 million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in,” Ratcliffe told the broadcaster.
“The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it?”
Ratcliffe apologised for his choice of language last week but said it was important to raise the issue of immigration.
His initial comments drew a rebuke from Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick avoided wading into the controversy on Friday.
He instead emphasised the club’s proud tradition of equality and global reach.
“Equality, diversity and respect for each other is something we look to carry through every day,” Carrick told reporters ahead of a Premier League trip to Everton.
Manchester United, fourth in the league with 45 points in 26 games, will face eighth-placed Everton on Monday.
The club is hoping to consolidate a guaranteed Champions League spot with a top-four finish.
