Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his company INEOS have been having a massive change in some of their other sporting ventures.
It’s recently been announced that INEOS have parted ways with Britannia America’s Cup sailing team after a seven-year partnership.
However, this isn’t the only sporting partnership that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is walking away from.
The company are in hot water with New Zealand Rugby as they also look to leave their six-year deal as performance partners three years early.
The International side has launched legal action as INEOS failed to pay the first instalment of their sponsorship funds for 2025.
In a statement addressing the situation, New Zealand Rugby announced: “Having learned of INEOS’ decision to walk away three years early, we have moved to protect the interests of New Zealand Rugby and the wider game.
“We have been left with no option but to launch legal proceedings to protect our commercial position. NZR is actively pursuing new commercial opportunities and global interest in the All Blacks and other teams in black remains high.”
However, in response to this INEOS stated they have “greatly valued our sponsorship of New Zealand Rugby”, contributing $30 million to the international side.
In an explanation of their decision, Ratcliffe’s firm commented: “Trading conditions for our European businesses have been severely impacted by high energy costs and extreme carbon taxes, along with much of the chemicals industry in Europe, which is struggling or shutting down.”
The statement continued: “We are witnessing the deindustrialisation of Europe. As a result, we have had to implement cost-saving measures across the business.”
So why shouldn’t Manchester United be worried?
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Manchester United will be unaffected by other INEOS partnerships
With all these partnerships of INEOS coming to an end, it’s understandable that there could be some concern for Manchester United.
However, former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson has claimed there is nothing to worry about.
Borson spoke to Football Insider, explaining the situation: “I don’t think this will be a concern to United. INEOS themselves have this situation with New Zealand Rugby, where they’re trying to pull out of a five-year sponsorship deal.”
He continued: “They made a statement which details why they want to pull out. They said they are struggling with the ‘deindustrialisation of Europe’. They’ve said themselves that they are struggling. So Ineos have got business issues, but it won’t affect United. We all know this is a vanity project for Ratcliffe, and it’s meant to be fun for him.
“I would separate the club from Ineos. The reality is that Ratcliffe wants to make this a success as a fun project and to spend some of the money he has worked very hard to earn over the years. I wouldn’t focus on Ineos and their problems.”
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