FA Approve Ratcliffe’s Man United Acquisition

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has received the blessing of the Football Association (FA) to purchase a stake in Manchester United.

Last December, Ratcliffe – the billionaire CEO of the INEOS chemicals group – struck a £1.02-billion deal to buy a 25% stake in the soccer club, which is largely owned by the Glazer Family.

For the deal to be completed, the 71-year-old needed approval from both the FA and the English Premier League.

After the Premier League gave Ratcliffe its approval on Tuesday, 13 February, the FA swiftly followed suit.

“The FA can confirm that the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship Board have approved the acquisition by Sir Jim Ratcliffe of Manchester United Football Club in relation to its Manchester United Women’s entity,” they said in a statement released the next day.

“This follows confirmation from the Premier League that the acquisition, and further investment of $300 million [£238 million], had been approved by the Premier League Board following the completion of the Owners’ and Directors’ Test. The FA now awaits confirmation of the transaction’s completion.”

Once the deal is finalised tomorrow, Friday 16 February, Ratcliffe’s INEOS group will be in charge of United’s football operations.

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