Jim Ratcliffe sparks fresh immigration row with latest comments on wealth and decline
Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe said on Saturday that Britain looks at wealthy people with envy, unlike the United States. In a BBC interview, the businessman also argued that the country is in freefall and that no one is tough enough to deal with immigration. The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club has already hit back at his remarks.
ByJavi
4 min read
Jim Ratcliffe is back at the centre of controversy. The Manchester United co-owner, a tax resident in Monaco since 2020, told the BBC on Saturday that British society does not celebrate large fortunes the way Americans do, while also launching sharp criticism at how his country handles immigration and welfare benefits.
- Ratcliffe believes the UK has a problem with envy toward wealth creators, unlike the United States.
- The businessman says the country is in freefall and claims nobody is tough enough to tackle immigration and benefits.
- His comments have drawn an immediate response from the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club.
- Ratcliffe's fortune is estimated at 15 billion pounds, around 17.5 billion euros.
What Jim Ratcliffe said about wealth and envy in the UK
The British billionaire, owner of chemical giant INEOS and co-owner of Manchester United, focused much of his interview on comparing how Britons and Americans view economic success. In his opinion, the UK has developed a sense of envy toward the very wealthy, while Americans tend to celebrate wealth creators. With a fortune estimated at 15 billion pounds, Ratcliffe is one of the most prominent business voices in the country.
Manchester United co-owner paints bleak picture of Britain's decline
Ratcliffe went further and offered a pessimistic view of where his country stands. He recalled Britain's imperial past, its victory in two world wars and the reputation of its people as decent and honest. Yet he argued that the nation is now in freefall and that its most pressing problems are piling up without any firm response from the political class.
Immigration and benefits under fire from the INEOS owner
The businessman singled out immigration and the welfare system as two of the country's most urgent challenges. In his view, no one has the strength to confront either issue, though he believes someone will eventually have to do so. This is not the first time Ratcliffe has spoken on the matter: he previously sparked anger by saying the UK had been colonised by immigrants.
Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club hits back at Ratcliffe
Ratcliffe's comments have not gone unanswered. The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club released a statement defending the diversity behind the team and reminding fans that players, staff, security personnel and supporters come from many different countries, cultures, races, religions and backgrounds. In their view, United would not be what it is without that mix.
The supporters' group also argued that the club does not emotionally belong to investment funds, shareholders or billionaires, and sent a direct message to the current ownership: both the Glazers and Jim Ratcliffe should leave. The demand highlights growing frustration among sections of the fanbase with the way the club is being run.
A history of controversial comments from the INEOS chief
Ratcliffe built his industrial empire at the helm of INEOS, one of the world's largest chemical companies, and has played a very visible role in Manchester United's sporting and corporate decisions since arriving at the club. His public statements, however, have repeatedly landed him in hot water. His previous reference to the UK being colonised by immigrants drew criticism at the time, and this new episode reopens the debate about his views.
FAQ: Jim Ratcliffe's latest remarks explained
Frequently asked questions
What did Jim Ratcliffe say about wealth in the UK?
The Manchester United co-owner said Britain looks at wealthy people with envy, unlike the United States where wealth creators are celebrated. His fortune is estimated at 15 billion pounds.
Why did the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club criticise Ratcliffe?
The group objected to his comments about immigration and the decline of the UK. They defended the club's diversity and called for both the Glazers and Ratcliffe to leave Manchester United.
Has Jim Ratcliffe made controversial comments about immigration before?
Yes. He previously caused anger by claiming that Britain had been colonised by immigrants. His latest remarks bring that recurring debate back to the surface.