Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe will face no disciplinary action after describing Britain as having been “colonised” by immigrants, the The Football Association confirmed on Saturday.

Ratcliffe, the founder of chemicals giant INEOS, apologised last week for his choice of language but maintained that immigration is an issue that should be openly discussed. His original remarks prompted criticism from Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

In a brief statement, the FA said: “As background guidance, we have issued Sir Jim Ratcliffe with a reminder of his responsibilities as a Participant in English football when taking part in media interviews. We won’t be taking any further action.”

During a February 11 interview, Ratcliffe argued that high migration levels and the number of people claiming benefits were harming the UK economy. “You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK has been colonised — it’s costing too much money,” he said. “The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it?”

United manager Michael Carrick declined to be drawn into the controversy on Friday, instead highlighting the club’s values.

“Equality, diversity and respect for each other is something we look to carry through every day,” Carrick said ahead of Monday’s Premier League clash with Everton.

Manchester United currently sit fourth in the league with 45 points from 26 matches and will look to strengthen their hold on a Champions League qualification place when they travel to Goodison Park.