JIM Ratcliffe has apologised for claiming that the UK has been "colonised by immigrants" minutes after it was announced that the Football Association would be investigating whether his comments brought the game into disrepute.
The billionaire Manchester United and Ineos owner's comments had been widely condemned, forcing Ratcliffe to release a statement on Thursday afternoon saying he had offended "some people" but defending his anti-immigration stance.
Ratcliffe, who is from the Manchester area, lives in Monaco to avoid paying UK taxes.
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In a statement, he said: “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.”
Ratcliffe, as a Manchester United co-owner, is subject to FA rules as a participant.
Should the FA choose to formally investigate, the probe may be focused on FA Rule E3.1, which covers general behaviour.
The rule states: “A participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.”
Rule E3.2 states that a breach of Rule E3.1 would be considered an “aggravated breach” where it includes a reference, whether express or implied, to any one or more of the following – ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, religion or belief, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation or disability.
Ratcliffe told Sky News: “You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in.
“I mean, the UK is being colonised. It’s costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants.”
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Football anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has already condemned the comments, saying in a statement issued to PA: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments are disgraceful and deeply divisive at a time when football does so much to bring communities together.
“In addition to the inaccurate figures mentioned, it’s worth reminding him that Manchester United has a diverse fan base 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.”
It comes after First Minister John Swinney condemned Ratcliffe's comments, and the UK Government called for him to apologise.
