Manchester United news: At least two Utd players ‘are being investigated by HMRC over alleged tax dodging’
While there is no suggestion the players in question were knowingly avoiding paying the tax, their financial affairs are under scrutiny according to reports
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AT LEAST two Manchester United footballers are being investigated by HMRC over allegations they avoided paying tax.
The cases refer to image rights tax dodges whereby a club can pay up to a fifth of the wage of their stars to image rights companies, thus avoiding paying tax and national insurance.
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The Mail has reported that one of the players in question is "a household name on international duty in the past few days".
The newspaper goes on to say the player confirmed to them that he is "being investigated", although adds that "there is no suggestion the United players were knowingly dodging tax".
Back in July, SunSport reported how HMRC are investigating tax affairs which involves 100 footballers, 39 clubs and 13 agents in a crackdown to chase millions of pounds.
The millions of pounds is reported to have come from players who they suspect have been abusing image rights loopholes and tax-avoidance schemes.
A HMRC spokesman told the Daily Mail: “HMRC carefully scrutinises the arrangements between football clubs and their employees in respect of any image right payment to make sure the right tax is paid.
“We rigorously enforce the rules and tackle firmly anybody who games the system. Since 2014-15 we have delivered £269million in extra tax from tackling rule-breakers in the football industry generally.
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“We are currently making enquiries into the tax affairs of 67 footballers, 39 football clubs and 13 agents concerning a range of issues, including image rights abuse and are looking into more than 100 footballers in relation to the use of tax avoidance schemes.
“HMRC works closely with its international partners, sharing information to ensure tax is correctly accounted for and paid in the relevant country.”
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs are also working closely with their counterparts across Europe as part of an international crackdown.
When contacted by SunSport, Manchester United declined to comment on the matter.
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