Sir Jim Ratcliffe isn’t exactly known for playing it safe — whether in business, sport, or sailing, the billionaire behind INEOS rarely shies away from bold moves. But his next decision could mark a major shift in his sports empire: selling OGC Nice, the French club he purchased in 2019. With Manchester United now commanding most of his focus, Ratcliffe appears increasingly eager to offload the Ligue 1 side — and he’s not hiding the fact that his interest in French football has faded.
When Ratcliffe acquired a minority stake in Manchester United last year, it was clear that he didn’t plan to be a silent investor. He dove headfirst into trying to turn the club’s fortunes around — implementing structural changes, pushing forward with stadium redevelopment ideas, and attempting to realign the club’s long-term strategy. These reforms haven’t been universally praised, especially among longtime staff and passionate fans, but they reveal a man fully immersed in restoring one of football’s biggest brands.
This increasing involvement in United has naturally come at a cost — and that cost might just be Nice. Running multiple clubs under the multi-club ownership model is always tricky, and UEFA’s regulations have only made it more complicated. With both United and Nice qualifying for European competition, INEOS was barred from taking an active role in Nice’s management this season. The club was instead placed in a blind trust, effectively sidelining Ratcliffe and his team.
Interestingly, that hands-off approach may have benefited the team. Ratcliffe even admitted, half-jokingly, that this season — one of Nice’s strongest in recent memory — was achieved with zero interference from INEOS. Whether said in jest or not, it underscores his waning enthusiasm for remaining involved.
One of the more revealing comments came in a candid interview Ratcliffe gave earlier this year. Discussing his experience owning a Ligue 1 side, he didn’t mince words. “It’s cheaper access,” he said, referring to the lower entry cost compared to Premier League clubs. “But I don’t particularly enjoy going to watch Nice. The level of football is not high enough for me to get excited.”
That lack of excitement is now translating into action. Ratcliffe has reportedly engaged investment bank Lazard to lead the process of selling Nice. The asking price? Roughly £213 million — a significant jump from the original £85 million paid in 2019, though not unreasonable given the club’s improved performances and location in one of Europe’s most desirable cities.
