BREAKING NEWS: Confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, The Premier League have officially approved Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 25% minority stake in Manchester United FC.The deal is expected to be fully completed next week, but a major step has been taken towards after Ratcliffe passed the Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test. Sir Jim Ratcliffe receives Premier League approval to buy 25% Man Utd stake.
The purchase of a 25% minority ownership by Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Manchester United FC has received official approval from the Premier League.
The completion of the deal is imminent, expected to finalize next week, following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s passing of the Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test, marking a significant progression. Ratcliffe, as the CEO of INEOS, is set to oversee all football operations at Manchester United once the deal concludes officially. While the Glazers maintain control at Old Trafford, Ratcliffe secures a minority stake, granting his INEOS group substantial influence over day-to-day activities, including transfers under Erik ten Hag’s management.
As a lifelong Manchester United supporter, Ratcliffe struck a deal with the club in December, awaiting approval from the Premier League board, which has now been granted. The anticipated completion of the deal is scheduled for the forthcoming week.
The Premier League has endorsed Ratcliffe’s bid to obtain a 25% stake in Manchester United FC, coupled with an additional investment of $300 million, following the successful completion of the Owners’ and Directors’ Test. The alteration in the club’s ownership structure was greenlit by the Board last week and formally sanctioned by an Independent Oversight Panel.
Moreover, the Premier League’s Owners’ Charter has been signed, marking a significant milestone. This marks the first change of ownership review approved by a new Independent Oversight Panel, implemented after modifications to the process were endorsed by Premier League clubs in March 2023. The completion of the transaction is now pending confirmation.
Manchester United has already witnessed the impact of Ratcliffe’s involvement with the recruitment of Omar Berrada from Manchester City, who assumes the role of the club’s new CEO.
