Man United co-owners Ineos are sued by New Zealand Rugby

New Zealand Rugby has taken legal steps against co-owners of Manchester United-Een claims that the company of Sir Jim Ratcliffe has taken a multi-million pound sponsorship agreement.

In a Bombshell statement, the All Blacks accused the petrochemicals of the refusal to pay an episode for a six-year-old deal and to 'walk away early' for three years'.

“We have not left an option than to start legal proceedings to protect our commercial position,” they added.

Ineos became the All Blacks official implementation partner in 2021. The deal is supposed to be worth around £ 3.65 million a year.

Ratcliffe raised its interest in United to 28.94 percent in December. Since taking over the activities of the Glazer family at the beginning of last year, a wide range of cost-saving measures, including 250 dismissal issues, has been made in Old Trafford.

The aim of the assessment was to make the company of United more profitable and to increase funds available to spend to the first team, because the group wants to bring the cases giant back to the top of world football.

The development, reported for the first time by Telegraph Sport, is the last to influence the Ineos portfolio. Last month they announced a split with Olympic legend Ben Ainslie's America's Cup team. It is thought that the All Blacks will immediately drop the Ineos logo of their famous sweaters while looking for a new backer.

“New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is disappointed that Ineos has violated his sponsorship agreement,” said the statement. 'The most recently did not pay the first episode of the 2025 sponsor costs, which confirmed his decision to leave our six -year agreement.

'After we have heard of the decision of Ineos to walk away three years earlier, we moved to protect the interests of the Rugby of New Zealand and the wider game. We have not left an option than to start legal proceedings to protect our commercial position.

'NZR actively strives after new commercial opportunities and worldwide interest in the All Blacks and other teams in Black remains high. We are dedicated to be on and off the world class field and to deliver unique value to sponsors through our iconic brands. '

Ineos are contacted for comment.