All Blacks’ rugby federation had sued Jim Ratcliffe’s firm for an alleged contract breach
- NZR’s deal with Ineos was reportedly worth NZ$21m per year
- Rugby federation “in positive talks” to land a replacement sponsor
- Ineos has scaled back sports involvement to prioritise Manchester United
Manchester United co-owner Ineos and New Zealand Rugby have settled their legal dispute relating to the former’s sponsorship of the All Blacks.
NZR launched legal action against Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos in February after accusing the chemicals firm of failing to pay an installment worth a reported NZ$10 million (US$5.8 million) of a NZ$21 million (US$11.9 million six-year deal first signed in 2021.
Ineos at the time said it had looked to “adjust” its sponsorship, with it having to implement “cost-saving measures” due the impact of “high energy costs and extreme carbon taxes” on its European businesses.
“New Zealand Rugby and Ineos can confirm that a settlement has been reached between the two parties,” the two sides said in a joint statement.
“Whilst the details remain confidential, both organisations are satisfied with the outcome and acknowledge a desire to now move forward.”
According to the NZ Herald, Ineos has paid the sum it owed for 2025, as well as an additional smaller payment to NZR.
NZR chief executive Mark Robinson told Stuff that the federation was in “positive talks” to replace Ineos and find a replacement sponsor, citing NZR’s “financial position and the strength of our brand”.
“We think it’s a good outcome and have been working hard at this for a period of time,” he said. “We’re pleased to have it resolved and tidied up.
“We were always very clear that we had absolute confidence in our position and the approach we were taking.”
Ineos has scaled back its sports partnership portfolio considerably over recent months. It has withdrawn from Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup team, with the goal of launching its own outfit, and has also exited a partnership with Tottenham Hotspur.
The company’s owner Ratcliffe took charge of footballing operations at Manchester United in February last year, as part of a minority stake acquisition in the club. In February, the team declared a UK£27.7 million (US$35.7 million) loss for the fiscal second quarter, with more cost-cutting decisions expected to be made to reduce losses further.
In March, Ratcliffe acknowledged Ineos’ financial concerns when addressing the legal row with NZR, telling The Telegraph “life’s tough in trading in Europe”.
Credit: https://www.sportspro.com/news/new-zealand-rugby-ineos-sponsorship-settlement-april-2025/