English Premier League soccer clubs and their star players are being investigated by the tax authorities over “secret perks,” a newspaper reported yesterday.
Investigators from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have interviewed finance directors at Britain’s richest clubs to find out more about the benefits soccer players receive, the Mail on Sunday said.
Officials from an HMRC unit that usually deals with the tax affairs of people worth at least £20 million (US$31 million) had sent out a questionnaire to at least 24 leading clubs, the report said.
They were asking for details of free holidays, luxury accommodation and other gifts, it said.
The information would be checked against players’ own tax returns to see whether they could be liable for any unpaid tax or if clubs may have to make additional National Insurance payroll tax contributions, the report added.
“We are not talking about a few low-cost gifts. These people are multi-millionaires,” the weekly tabloid quoted an unnamed source as saying. “We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t think it was going to bring in a lot of money.”
“It doesn’t matter where you come from. If you work in the UK you are liable to pay tax on your UK earnings,” it said.
An HMRC spokesman set out their basic position.
“We cannot discuss individual cases under any circumstances,” he said. “For benefits in kind, the basic rule is that if an employer provides an employee with anything other than pay, it may count as an expense or benefit, and they will need to check whether they need to report it to HMRC and pay any tax or National Insurance contributions.”
“Common examples of expenses and benefits include company cars, health insurance, travel and entertainment expenses, and childcare,” the spokesman added.
The Mail on Sunday said an HMRC spokesman told them the questionnaire had been compiled to establish how clubs officially account for the benefits received by their players.
The newspaper said spokesmen for Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea — the top five in the Premier League table — all declined to comment.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely