Jim Ratcliffe’s Absence Looms Over Women’s FA Cup Final Again
For the second year running, billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe will miss the Women’s FA Cup final on May 12 at Wembley Stadium, fueling speculation about his engagement with women’s football. The INEOS chairman, who owns a 27.7% stake in Manchester United, faces mounting criticism as fans question his commitment to the sport’s growth despite his high-profile investments in men’s football.
A Pattern of Prioritization Raises Eyebrows
Ratcliffe’s absence comes as Manchester United Women prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur in what marks their first FA Cup final appearance. Last year, he skipped Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United while attending the men’s Premier League match against Arsenal on the same day.
“When influential figures like Ratcliffe don’t show up, it sends a message that women’s football remains second-tier,” said Dr. Sally Horrox, a sports governance expert at Loughborough University. “These symbolic gestures matter tremendously in shifting perceptions.”
Key statistics highlight the growing significance of the women’s game:
- The 2023 final drew a record 77,390 spectators
- Women’s Super League attendance grew 173% from 2019-2023
- Broadcast rights for the WSL now command £8 million annually
Contrasting Commitments in Men’s and Women’s Football
Ratcliffe’s £1.3 billion investment in Manchester United included specific commitments to upgrading Old Trafford and the men’s training facilities. While the club announced a £10 million investment in women’s infrastructure last October, critics note this represents just 0.7% of Ratcliffe’s total football expenditures.
“The numbers don’t lie,” remarked former England player Eni Aluko during a Sky Sports panel discussion. “When decision-makers prioritize one gender over another, it creates structural inequalities that take decades to correct. Ratcliffe has an opportunity to lead by example.”
However, INEOS spokespeople defend his record, pointing to:
- Sponsorship of the INEOS Grenadiers women’s cycling team
- Funding for grassroots girls’ football programs
- Planned upgrades to Carrington training facilities benefiting all teams
The Broader Impact on Women’s Football
Ratcliffe’s absence coincides with a pivotal moment for the sport. The Lionesses’ 2022 Euros victory sparked unprecedented interest, with 23.3 million UK viewers tuning in for the final. Yet concerns persist about translating this enthusiasm into sustained investment.
Stakeholders Voice Mixed Reactions
Manchester United Women’s captain Katie Zelem adopted a diplomatic tone: “While we’d always welcome support, our focus remains on delivering performance. The fans at Wembley will create an incredible atmosphere regardless.”
Conversely, Women in Football CEO Yvonne Harrison struck a firmer note: “Visible commitment from football’s power brokers accelerates change. When they’re absent from showcase events, it undermines years of progress.”
The debate reflects wider tensions in sports governance:
- Only 12% of Premier League clubs have women in executive roles
- Just 3 WSL teams share main stadiums with their men’s counterparts
- The gender pay gap in football remains above 30% across most metrics
What Ratcliffe’s Absence Signals for the Future
As INEOS expands its sports portfolio—including recent acquisitions in French and Swiss football—analysts suggest Ratcliffe’s choices reflect broader industry patterns. A 2023 Deloitte report found that 78% of football investors allocate less than 5% of resources to women’s programs.
Potential Pathways Forward
Sports business professor Simon Chadwick proposes concrete steps: “Investors could tie women’s football commitments to men’s team funding, or adopt the US model where single entities operate both genders’ teams with shared resources.”
With Manchester United Women chasing their first major trophy since reforming in 2018, the final presents a prime opportunity for visible leadership. As Wembley prepares to host another record crowd, all eyes will be on who’s watching—and who’s not.
Call to Action: Follow our live coverage of the Women’s FA Cup final on May 12 for updates on this developing story and analysis of what it means for football’s future.
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