Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia
United Arab Emirates

Man United's co-owners Ineos sued by New Zealand Rugby as statement is released

talksport.com, 11 February 2025, 09:01
New Zealand Rugby are suing Ineos over an alleged breach of a sponsorship agreement.

Legal action has been taken against Ineos, who co-own Manchester United, after being accused of refusing to pay an instalment on a six-year deal.

The British petrochemicals giant agreed to become the performance partner of New Zealand Rugby in 2021, with the deal running from 2022-2027.

Believed to be worth around £3.5million per year, the deal included Ineos branding on the back of playing shorts and on the front of training jerseys for both the men's and women's national sides.

The New Zealand Maori team and New Zealand sevens teams were also included in the deal.

But in a bombshell statement announced on Tuesday, NZR declared they were suing Ineos for ending their six-year partnership three years early.

READ MORE ON MAN UNITED

Manchester United could agree to surprise exit despite transfer window being closed

I won the World Cup and played with Ronaldo by was denied Man United move by divisive boss

It read: "New Zealand Rugby is disappointed that Ineos has breached its sponsorship agreement.

"Most recently, it failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, confirming its decision to exit our six-year agreement.

"Having learned of INEOS' decision to walk away three years early, we have moved to protect the interests of New Zealand Rugby and the wider game.

"We have been left with no option but to launch legal proceedings to protect our commercial position.

Most read in Football

'Unacceptable' - Man City urged to do unthinkable if Pep Guardiola can't beat Real Madrid

'He made a mistake' - Everton star criticises Frank Lampard's treatment of him

Liverpool killers Plymouth earn tie at Man City as Man United also discover fate

How to watch Man City vs Real Madrid for FREE as Bellingham eyes advantage in blockbuster

"NZR is actively pursuing new commercial opportunities and global interest in the All Blacks and other Teams in Black remains high.

"We are committed to being world-class on and off the field and deliver unique value to sponsors through our iconic brands."

It has been claimed that the All Blacks will now drop the Ineos logo from their jerseys in their quest to find a new partner.

Ineos, whose stable includes Swiss side FC Lausanne-Sport, French outfit Nice, F1 team Mercedes and the Grenadiers cycling team, have removed the 'rugby' section from their website.

It was only last month that they confirmed they had parted ways with British Olympic hero Ben Ainslie's America's Cup team.

In response, the four-time Olympic gold medallist's team, who had been backed by Ineos since 2018, declared they had been 'astounded' by the news.

They also stated: "This plan raises significant legal and practical obstacles for them that will play out in the coming days and weeks.

"Furthermore, Sir Ben Ainslie's British America's Cup team will be known as Athena Racing going forwards, aligning with the British Women's and Youth America's Cup team, the Athena Pathway."

11 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: Blues showing 'strongest interest' in 14-club race for 'Swedish Lionel Messi'
Chelsea are reportedly preparing to step up their interest in FC Copenhagen attacker Roony Bardghji, who has been dubbed the 'Swedish Lionel Messi'.
11 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal's first summer transfer confirmed as club release statement after manager comments
Celtic have confirmed that they have reached a pre-contract agreement to re-sign Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney at the end of the season.
11 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea 'devise plan' to sign 22-year-old Premier League star after club-record transfer rejection
Chelsea have reportedly drawn up a plan to win the race for Nottingham Forest's Murillo this summer after trying and failing to lure him away from the City Ground in January.
11 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Cityvs.Real Madrid
Former Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips believes that Pep Guardiola's side "can win" against Real Madrid in Tuesday's Champions League showdown as long as they "cut the mistakes out".
11 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool
Conor Bradley has earned the trust of Arne Slot and should be considered a candidate to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold should he leave the club in the summer, Reds expert David Lynch has argued.
11 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Tuesday's Transfer Talk Update: Joao Felix, Raul Asencio, Thomas Partey
All transfer business is done and dusted for this season, but that doesn't stop clubs from preparing ahead for next season.
11 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Tuesday's League Two predictions including Walsall vs. Gillingham
Tranmere vs. Fleetwood (Tuesday, 7.45pm) Looking to turn their fortunes around, struggling Tranmere Rovers welcome Fleetwood Town for their rescheduled matchday 16 League Two fixture this Tuesday. Originally set for November 16, 2024, the match was postponed due to the international break, which saw three of the visitors' players receive call-ups.
11 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Tuesday's League One predictions including Birmingham vs. Cambridge
Birmingham vs. Cambridge (Tuesday, 7.45pm) League One leaders Birmingham City will look to extend their lead at the top of the table when they host bottom-of-the-pack Cambridge United at St. Andrew's Stadium on Tuesday night. The hosts hold a four-point lead over second-placed Wycombe Wanderers but also have at least two games in hand, while the visitors are 24th in the standings and seven points adrift of safety.
11 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Tuesday's Championship predictions including Watford vs. Leeds
Coventry vs. QPR (Tuesday, 7.45pm) Frank Lampard's Coventry City will hope to bounce back from FA Cup disappointment when they host Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday in the Championship at the Coventry Arena. Coventry are 12th in the second tier with 41 points and are only four points from sixth-placed Blackburn Rovers, who occupy the final promotion playoff spot, while QPR are in 13th place with the same number of points as their opponents and beat Blackburn 2-1 on February 4.
11 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Tuesday's Champions League predictions including Man City vs. Real Madrid
Brest vs. PSG (Tuesday, 5.45pm) Frequent foes in the French top flight, Paris Saint-Germain and Brest swap Ligue 1 for the Champions League on Tuesday evening, colliding in the first leg of their playoff tie at the Stade Francis-Le Ble. Both outfits took home 13 points during the league phase, although PSG's superior goal difference allowed Luis Enrique's side to sneak into the seeded playoff positions in the 36-team table.
11 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Cityvs.Real Madrid
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has predicted the winner of the knockout round playoff tie with Manchester City will go on to win the Champions League.
11 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Cityvs.Real Madrid
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti have addressed the controversy from the 2024 Ballon d'Or awards ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash between their respective sides.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal transfer news: Gunners star 'agrees terms' over summer move to South American giants
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has reportedly reached an agreement to join Brazilian side Flamengo in the summer.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunderlandvs.Luton
Promotion-chasing Sunderland will look to extend their seven-game unbeaten league run when they welcome relegation-threatened Luton Town to the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.
10 February 2025
talksport.com
'Unacceptable' - Man City urged to do unthinkable if Guardiola can't beat Real
Manchester City must axe Pep Guardiola if they fail to get past Real Madrid in the Champions League.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Swanseavs.Sheff Weds
Separated by five points in the middle of the Championship table, Swansea City and Sheffield Wednesday will square off in South Wales on Wednesday.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Sheff Utdvs.Middlesbrough
Sheffield United will welcome Middlesbrough to Bramall Lane on Wednesday for an important contest at the top end of the Championship table.
10 February 2025
talksport.com
'He made a mistake' - Everton star criticises Frank Lampard's treatment of him
Abdoulaye Doucoure has criticised Frank Lampard's treatment of him during his time as Everton manager.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United preparing surprise £33m summer bid to sign Barcelona star?
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde during the summer transfer window.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal 'expect' to strike summer deal for Olympic champion following January transfer talks
Arsenal are reportedly growing in confidence that they will complete the signing of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer after last year's failed move.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea facing Premier League competition in race for Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher?
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has reportedly attracted interest from Chelsea and Newcastle United ahead of the summer transfer window.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Cityvs.Real Madrid
The pick of Tuesday's Champions League playoff first-leg matches undoubtedly comes from the Etihad, where 2022-23 winners Manchester City and current holders Real Madrid square off in a clash of the titans.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United transfer news: Red Devils midfielder could leave club in surprise exit before end of month?
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to let Casemiro leave on loan to Flamengo before the end of the month.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Burnleyvs.Hull City
Burnley will attempt to extend their 20-game unbeaten run in all competitions when they welcome Hull to Turf Moor for Wednesday's Championship fixture.
10 February 2025
talksport.com
Liverpool killers Plymouth earn tie at Man City as Man United also discover fate
Stars of the FA Cup fourth round Plymouth Argyle have been rewarded for their stunning win over Liverpool by being drawn against Manchester City.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
FA Cup fifth round draw in full: Manchester City to face Premier League conquerors
Plymouth Argyle have been handed another mammoth task in the FA Cup fifth round having been drawn against Manchester City.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Monacovs.Benfica
Benfica travel to the Stade Louis II for the second time this season to face Monaco in the Champions League knockout round playoffs on Wednesday night.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
John Eustace: Blackburn Rovers hit out at boss amid desire to speak to Derby County
Blackburn Rovers have suggested that head coach John Eustace is likely to move to Derby County over the coming days.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Evertonvs.Liverpool
Liverpool go to Goodison Park for a Merseyside derby against Everton for the final time on Wednesday night in the 245th iteration of the fixture.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Cityvs.Real Madrid
Manchester City's "best chance" of quelling the "almighty threat" of Real Madrid in the Champions League could be to select almost the same defence that excelled during their treble-winning season, Citizens expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany has told Sports Mole. Pep Guardiola's side have struggled defensively throughout this season as a result of injury issues and a notable drop-off in form, conceding 53 goals across all competitions including 14 in eight League Phase fixtures in the Champions League.
10 February 2025
talksport.com
How to watch Man City vs Real Madrid for FREE as Bellingham eyes advantage
Manchester City host Real Madrid this Tuesday night in the first leg of their Champions League play-off blockbuster.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Leyton Orient1 - 2Man City
Abdukodir Khusanov performed well in Man City's FA Cup win over Leyton Orient and there were signs to suggest that he has the potential to develop into a "special player", Citizens expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany has told Sports Mole. The 20-year-old, who signed from Lens for a reported £33.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Celticvs.Bayern
Bayern Munich could be largely unchanged from the team that beat Werder Bremen when they go to Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Celticvs.Bayern
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will ring the changes again when they welcome Bayern Munich to Glasgow in the Champions League on Wednesday.
10 February 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Celticvs.Bayern
Celtic will play their first Champions League knockout match for 12 years when they welcome German giants Bayern Munich to Glasgow on Wednesday night.
10 February 2025
talksport.com
Joao Felix already eyeing permanent Chelsea exit after just two games with Milan
Joao Felix has admitted he'd welcome the opportunity to stay at AC Milan despite being on loan from Chelsea.
Show more

Top News

24 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea will reportedly have to pay a penalty price of £5m if they renege on their obligation to sign Jadon Sancho in the summer transfer window. 24 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reportedly braced for competition from Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of Sunderland's Chris Rigg. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Virgil Van Dijk has reportedly decided to end his time at Liverpool, with Paris Saint-Germain touted as a likely destination. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Virgil Van Dijk has reportedly decided to end his time at Liverpool, with Paris Saint-Germain touted as a likely destination. 23 March 2025 talksport.com Chelsea must pay Manchester United £5million if they don't sign Jadon Sancho on a permanent deal this summer, talkSPORT understands. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk France dramatically completed a terrific UEFA Nations League comeback over Croatia as they reached the semi-finals with a 5-4 penalty-shootout win following a 2-0 quarter-final second-leg victory and 2-2 aggregate draw at the Stade de France. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Portugal advanced into the UEFA Nations League semi-finals after beating Denmark 5-2 in the second leg at home on Sunday night, winning 5-3 on aggregate after extra time. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Spain booked their spot in the semi-finals of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League courtesy of a penalty-shootout success over the Netherlands on Sunday night, with the two teams finally being separated after two blockbuster contests. 23 March 2025 talksport.com Michael Owen has revealed the formation he would have gone with to unlock the best of England's Golden Generation. 23 March 2025 talksport.com Phil Parkinson says win, lose or draw, Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have his back. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Julian Nagelsmann's Germany scraped into the semi-final of the UEFA Nations League after drawing 3-3 in a dramatic quarter-final second leg against Italy at Signal Iduna Park on Sunday night. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Egypt will aim to make it back-to-back wins in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they welcome Sierra Leone to the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday for a matchday six encounter. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk In-form Ecuador will make the trip to Santiago to face Chile in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday knowing they are within touching distance of reaching the finals. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Everton have reportedly identified Genoa centre-back Koni De Winter as a potential replacement for Manchester United-linked Jarrad Branthwaite. 23 March 2025 talksport.com Cristiano Ronaldo was denied from the penalty spot just six minutes into Portugal's crucial Nations League clash with Denmark. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool's Alisson Becker, Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes and Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes will all drop out of the Brazil starting lineup for Tuesday's World Cup 2026 qualifying clash against rivals Argentina. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul is pushing to start Tuesday's World Cup 2026 qualifying clash against Brazil in Buenos Aires. 23 March 2025 talksport.com Edin Dzeko has shown off the brutal facial injury he suffered playing for Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday. 23 March 2025 talksport.com Mohamed Salah wants to stay at Liverpool even though he hasn't yet agreed a new deal. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Argentina will look to officially secure their place at World Cup 2026 when they face rivals Brazil in Tuesday's clash at Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Morocco will look to continue their impressive start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers when they host Tanzania at Stade Municipal on Tuesday. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria have announced their starting lineups for Sunday's fixture in the UEFA Nations League. 23 March 2025 talksport.com It's almost been eight years since Andrea Pirlo retired from football, but he hasn't lost his world-class free-kick abilities. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Newcastle United have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Malaga's teenage winger Antonio Cordero ahead of the summer transfer window. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona have reportedly set their asking price for Ferran Torres, with the versatile attacker expected to be on the move during this summer's transfer window. 23 March 2025 talksport.com Steve Bruce has passionately responded to Dwight Gayle after he claimed he 'didn't do tactics' when in charge of Newcastle. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji this summer. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Luka Modric has revealed that he is yet to speak with Real Madrid over his future beyond the end of the campaign. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Flash back to the first few months of Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham Hotspur reign, where the Australian took a marvellous 26 Premier League points from 30 on offer, the most by any head coach in their first 10 matches in the competition. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is reportedly giving serious consideration to returning to the Premier League during this summer's transfer window, with Liverpool said to be his preferred destination.