A local grassroots football club, Wrexham’s FC United, has issued a public apology after receiving a £5,000 ($6,350) donation from Tristan Tate, the brother of Andrew Tate, currently facing r*pe and human tr*fficking charges in Romania. The initial acceptance of the funds led to severe consequences, with sponsors pulling out, local organizations condemning the club, and public outcry demanding the return of the money.
In response to the backlash, a club spokesperson stated, ‘Our sincere apologies for the oversight in accepting the donation. We understand the concerns raised by our community, and in light of this, we have returned the funds.’ The Tate brothers are currently undergoing trial in Romania, accused of operating a criminal gang involved in the s*xual e*ploitation of women across multiple countries.
FC United Grapples with Fallout After Returned Donation Controversy
Last week, Wrexham’s FC United expressed gratitude to Tristan Tate on Twitter for his £5,000 donation but later faced criticism, prompting the club to return the funds and issue an apology. Mr. Tate, currently facing trial in Romania alongside his brother for charges including human trafficking, voiced being ‘extremely disappointed.’ Both brothers deny the allegations against them. In response to public scrutiny, the football club promptly sent the donation back.
FC United, known for its grassroots football and futsal teams, revealed its practice of seeking ‘retweets’ from high-profile individuals for fundraising. The large donation from Mr. Tate led to significant repercussions, with the club’s sponsor pulling out, local organizations condemning the club, and individuals demanding the return of the money.
Sent back as it was the right thing to do however our club does cost £500 a month to operate as we pay a local business (leisure centre) to run futsal sessions. Many months we are left paying out of our own pockets so little tommy ( example ) has
— FC United of Wrexham 🏴 (@FCUtdofWxm) January 15, 2024
a club to go to. pic.twitter.com/Sn1RGMz1Bf
Financial Strain and Public Outcry Surround Club’s Donation Return
In response to advice from club partners and organizational representatives, Wrexham’s FC United swiftly returned a £5,000 donation. The non-profit club, struggling to break even in just a few months, considered the sum a significant amount.
Last year, the club received a £1,600 donation from Ryan Reynolds, co-owner of Wrexham AFC. Tristan Tate, who contributed £5,000, shared in a podcast that he received 34 funding requests from Wrexham’s FC United. He expressed satisfaction, stating, ‘More kids are getting their sports uniforms paid for, and I’m glad.’
However, after the donation was returned, Tate accused the grassroots club of bowing to ‘public outrage,’ expressing his ‘extreme disappointment.’ The club issued an apology, stating, ‘We are sorry to everyone affected and upset, and sorry to Tristan for wasting his time.’
