New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have taken legal action against INEOS after the Manchester United co-owners missed a payment deadline.
INEOS, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, agreed a six-year sponsorship contract with NZR but have been accused by the All Blacks of missing their first payment of 2025 and attempting to withdraw from the agreement ahead of schedule.
"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," NZR said in a statement. "We have been left with no option but to launch legal proceedings to protect our commercial position."
INEOS initially could not be reached for a comment on the allegations but later released a statement in which they blamed their missed payment on the need to cut costs to combat the "deindustrialisation of Europe".
"INEOS has greatly valued our sponsorship of New Zealand Rugby, having contributed over $30m to the teams in recent years," the statement read.
"However, trading conditions for our European businesses have been severely impacted by high energy costs and extreme carbon taxes, along with much of the chemicals industry in Europe, which is struggling or shutting down. We are witnessing the deindustrialisation of Europe.
"As a result, we have had to implement cost-saving measures across the business. We sought to reach a sensible agreement with the All Blacks to adjust our sponsorship in light of these challenges.
"Unfortunately, rather than working towards a managed solution, New Zealand Rugby have chosen to pursue legal action against their sponsor. We remain in ongoing discussion with New Zealand Rugby."
The "cost-saving measures" of which INEOS speak have attracted plenty of criticism in regards to United. Around 250 non-playing staff have been made redundant, payments to club ambassadors have been slashed, support of a charity for former players has also been reduced and ticket prices have been raised.
A statement to a concerned United supporters group saw United admit they are at risk of breaching the Premier League's Profit & Sustainability Rules if they do not raise sufficient funds.
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