FA face ‘freedom of speech issue’ over Sir Jim Ratcliffe controversy
The FA could be overstepping the mark after it began investigating Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, amid the controversy surrounding Ratcliffe’s “colonised by immigrants” comments.
The FA are investigating whether the comments have brought the game into disrepute, with Ratcliffe later apologising for his “choice of language.”
Ratcliffe has been a polarising figure since he took control of football operations at Man United in 2024.
FA going ‘a step too far’ in Sir Jim Ratcliffe case
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – states the FA could “find themselves at the end of a freedom of speech lawsuit.”
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes the FA could be “taking sides on a political decision” in their final verdict on Ratcliffe’s comments.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Secondly, in terms of football for the FA to consider bringing him into disrepute, I find to be a step too far for the FA to be doing this. I really do.
“I think that, you know, this is a freedom of speech issue. And it’s been fairly clear, although Ratcliffe’s comments have been met with both sides, some have supported it. A lot of people have been against it.
“I’m not going to comment on his thoughts or the merit of them, but the fact is that there are two groups here and the FA would then have to be taking sides on a political issue, that to me, is an issue of freedom of speech.
“I think it’s a massive overreach from the FA and if he was to be charged, they’re one of their kangaroo courts of very unqualified people who would be on a committee would be judging some sort of sanction.
“So I think the FA should have stayed out of this and I don’t think this is something that is directly to do with football. And I think the FA could find their fingers burned because I know that Jim Ratcliffe can afford some decent lawyers. And I think the FA might find themselves on the end of a freedom of speech lawsuit.”
Man United to sanction Mason Mount sale
Man United are willing to let midfielder Mason Mount leave in the summer transfer window, with the 27-year-old yet to make an impact under Michael Carrick.
Mount has struggled since moving to Old Trafford from Chelsea in 2023, and he has only made one substitute appearance since Carrick took charge.
The midfielder has also struggled with injury problems whilst at the club, and could reignite his career elsewhere if he can stay fit.