Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos sued by the All Blacks for ‘failing to pay sponsorship fee’ in fresh blow to Man Utd owner

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S Ineos are being sued by New Zealand’s rugby team for “failing to pay sponsorship fees.”. It is the latest headache for Manchester United’s owner, who has seen his Red Devils side struggle to click under new boss Ruben Amorim. Ratcliffe’s Ineos agreed a six-year deal as an All Blacks’ shirt sponsor in 2021, with the move worth £3.65million each year. However, New Zealand rugby chiefs have now accused the petrochemical company of attempting to end their sponsorship three years early.

They claim Ineos are yet to pay out any of this year’s fee. And legal proceedings have now been launched as the All Blacks look for a new sponsor. A bombshell statement read: “New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is disappointed that Ineos has breached its sponsorship agreement. “Most recently, it failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, confirming its decision to exit our six-year agreement.

“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. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS. “NZR is actively pursuing new commercial opportunities, and global interest in the All Blacks and other Teams in Black remains high.

“We are committed to being world-class on and off the field, and deliver unique value to sponsors through our iconic brands.”. Ineos have not commented on New Zealand’s claims. Last month they parted ways with Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup Team. And it comes as Ratcliffe embarks on drastic cost-cutting measures at Manchester United. Around 250 redundancies have been made as ticket prices have gone up.

And Ratcliffe, who increased his minority stake to 28.94 per cent last month, now hopes to build a mega new stadium as part of an Old Trafford regeneration project. SIR JIM RATCLIFFE'S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 - and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since... December 2023 - Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe's takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old Trafford.

January 2024 - Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington. January 2024 - Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO. February 2024 - Ratcliffe's £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed. February 2024 - Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin added. March 2024 - Ratcliffe bans words "awesome" and "lukewarm cappuccino" in bizarre move.

March 2024 - Matt Johnson appointed head of women's football. March 2024 - Ratcliffe announces plans to build "Wembley of the North" to replace Old Trafford. March 2024 - Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 - down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in December. April 2024 - Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled. April 2024 - John Murtough quits as football director.

April 2024 - Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton. May 2024 - Ratcliffe turns Carrington "toxic" after sending email to employees slamming "disgraceful" lack of cleanliness. May 2024 - Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roof. May 2024 - Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish. May 2024 - Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy.

May 2024 - Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticket. May 2024 - Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axed. May 2024 - Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of result. June 2024 - Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground. June 2024 - Ratcliffe introduces strict "back to work" policy forcing staff to come into office.

June 2024 - Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women's team. July 2024 - Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensation. July 2024 - Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026. July 2024 - Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher's role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.

July 2024 - Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment. July 2024 - Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board. July 2024 - Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125. July 2024 - Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie. August 2024 - Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window.