Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has issued a grovelling public apology to Lord Sugar for incorrectly stating that the businessman left Tottenham Hotspur in financial disarray when he relinquished control in 2001.
The former England midfielder made the retraction during Friday Night Football's coverage of Bournemouth against Fulham, following legal threats from the 78-year-old Apprentice star.
Redknapp's original remarks, broadcast on September 13 during analysis of Daniel Levy's departure from Spurs, prompted Sugar to announce his intention to pursue legal action against both the pundit and the broadcaster.
The apology included acknowledgement of Sugar's decade-long stewardship of the north London club.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has issued a grovelling public apology to Lord Sugar for incorrectly stating that the businessman left Tottenham Hotspur in financial disarray when he relinquished control in 2001
|SKY SPORTS
The controversy began when Redknapp discussed Levy's exit after 25 years at Tottenham's helm, having overseen the club since Enic acquired a majority shareholding from Sugar.
During the broadcast, Redknapp stated: "You think back to Alan Sugar, how he left the club was a complete mess. Daniel Levy has left it in a really great way."
Lord Alan Sugar accepted the on-screen apology
|GETTY
Sugar responded furiously on social media platform X, posting: "Jamie Redknapp is a double barrel idiot. He talks a load of rubbish."
"He and Sky will be hearing from my lawyers Monday," he said, following with another post stating: "I am coming after you @MrJamieRedknapp idiot."
During his on-air statement, Redknapp acknowledged Sugar's significant achievements at Tottenham.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
"I mentioned that Lord Sugar had left the club 'in a mess'. I just want to make clear that he stabilised the club and invested heavily during his time as chairman," Redknapp said.
The pundit highlighted how Sugar rescued Tottenham from near-bankruptcy in 1991 and transformed their financial situation by his departure.
"When he took over in 1991 Spurs were close to bankruptcy, and by the time he stepped away the financial position had been turned around," Redknapp continued.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
On 13th September Jamie Redknapp stated on Sky Sports that I left Tottenham ‘in a mess’ when I sold the club to Daniel Levy.
— Lord Sugar (@Lord_Sugar) October 3, 2025
Tonight, during Sky’s Bournemouth v Fulham coverage, Redknapp has made a full apology and has retracted this false allegation. Also, by way of a further… pic.twitter.com/7mzlCBBBmQ
He added: "He also put significant money into the team and facilities. I apologise to Lord Sugar and his family for any misunderstanding and for any distress caused, and am happy to set the record straight."
A £10,000 contribution to Great Ormond Street Hospital formed part of the resolution, as Sugar revealed on social media.
Sugar has since accepted the apology from Redknapp.
The businessman shared footage of Redknapp's televised apology on X, accompanied by a statement confirming the charitable donation had been made "by way of a further apology."
Sugar's post detailed: "On 13th September Jamie Redknapp stated on Sky Sports that I left Tottenham 'in a mess' when I sold the club to Daniel Levy."
He confirmed: "Tonight during Sky's Bournemouth v Fulham coverage, Redknapp has made a full apology and retracted this false allegation."
The matter appears resolved following the public retraction and charitable gesture.