Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to face mounting criticism for his handling of key issues at Manchester United.
His latest controversy is around the women’s team.
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The INEOS chief has already come under fire for delays in making football decisions, backtracking on public promises, and prioritising infrastructure over squad investment.
Now, one of the most respected voices in English football has accused him of sending a damaging message about how he views women – not just women’s football.
Kelly Simmons slams Sir Jim Ratcliffe over treatment of women’s game
As per The Guardian’s report, Kelly Simmons, the former director of the women’s professional game in England, slammed Ratcliffe for downplaying the importance of Manchester United’s women’s team.
“If I was a woman working in United and heard the language Ratcliffe uses, he’s sending a signal to me about what he thinks about women not just the women’s game,” Simmons said.
“I’m not sure people recognise how powerful that language is in a negative way.
“It’s so disappointing.”
Simmons was referring to Ratcliffe’s comments that United’s men’s side was “the main issue” and “what moves the needle.”
As well as his absence from both of the last two Women’s FA Cup finals – including United’s 1-0 win in 2023 and 3-0 defeat to Chelsea this year.
She made the remarks during the Fair Game conference in London, which focused on financial sustainability and equality in football.
Despite Ratcliffe’s comments, senior figures from United did attend the final at Wembley, including co-chair Avram Glazer and representatives from INEOS.
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United CEO Omar Berrada has also publicly backed the women’s team, stating: “It’s really incumbent on us to be there to help them.”
However, Simmons argued that too many clubs treat women’s teams as community projects instead of genuine business investments.
She compared the current lack of commitment to the FA’s historic 50-year ban on women’s football.
“Absolutely nothing is locked in for women’s football,” she warned as per The Guardian’s report.
“We’re not in the conversation for funding flows… you know where the money is going to be cut from first; it’s the women’s team.”
She expressed support for increasing private equity involvement in the women’s game to help change that mindset and drive proper investment.
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