Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was not present at Wembley to watch the women’s side play in the FA Cup final on Sunday, missing the match for a second straight year.
Co-chairman Avie Glazer, chief executive Omar Berrada — who was present last year — and technical director Jason Wilcox were all present in the royal box as Chelsea ran out 3-0 winners to complete a domestic treble.
When approached for comment by ESPN, United said Ratcliffe’s absence was a matter for INEOS rather than the football club.
The INEOS chief did not show up for the women’s team last season in their 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur and failed to show again, as the holders faced Chelsea.
He was present at Stamford Bridge for the men’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea, which was originally scheduled to clash with the Women’s FA Cup final but was moved to allow fans to attend both games. It is the first time a Premier League fixture has been rescheduled to accommodate a women’s match.
Ratcliffe has faced heavy criticism over his treatment of the women’s team, coming under fire for a lack of commitment to the team.
Chelsea’s most recent investor, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who purchased a reported 8-10% stake in the women’s club for around £20 million ($26m) was also present to support the Women ‘s Super League winners alongside his wife, tennis legend Serena Williams and their daughter.
Information from ESPN’s Mark Ogden contributed to this report.
