Ineos: Tensions reach boiling point between fans and OGC Nice owners

Ineos have been heavily involved in the running of Manchester United for almost two years now.

United involvement

The chemicals company gained a minority stake in the club in December 2023, but crucially, they have responsibility for the football side of the operation.

They have made numerous changes, including signing a significant number of players at both senior and youth levels.

Furthermore, they have completely restructured the football decision-makers at the club, as well as the head coach and coaching team.

Ineos have also pushed on with numerous financial decisions, such as making significant staff cuts and reducing the size of the scouting department.

Lack of involvement accusations

Ineos also have significant involvement in other football teams, such as OGC Nice in France and FC Lausanne-Sport in Switzerland.

Ineos and owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe have had a complicated relationship with Nice in particular recently.

In April, the British billionaire claimed that he did not enjoy watching the French side play.

Additionally, there has been criticism that since their takeover of the club in 2019, Ineos have failed to fully commit to the project.

Fan violence

Nice fell apart in November, losing six matches in the month, and are judged to have had a terrible summer transfer window. They have also failed to pick up a single point in their Europa League campaign.

Things came to a head last weekend after a defeat to Lorient, when “at the final whistle, a confrontation took place between the players, led by Sofiane Diop, and the supporters who had made the trip to Brittany.”

It was also reported that, “about 400 supporters were waiting for Nice’s players to arrive back at the club’s training centre on Sunday evening. As they were about to get back to their personal vehicles to return home, the players were accosted by violent individuals who had come to express their dissatisfaction.”

In incredible events, players Terem Moffi and Jeremie Boga were physically abused and spat on during the chaos.

Ineos nowhere to be seen

Commenting on the events, Nice manager Franck Haise (via GetfootballnewsFrance.com) highlighted the perceived blasé attitude of the owners.

He claimed, “a reaction from the owners? I haven’t spoken to the owner, nor the person in charge of the shareholders, since Sunday evening. It was me who called the President at the end of the day because I hadn’t heard from Maurice. I am assuming my responsibility by staying as manager… and there you go, Jean-Claude Blanc (CEO of INEOS Sport) has just written to me… It’s Wednesday morning.”

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