HMRC to Target Footballers’ Perks

HM Revenue & Customs is said to be launching an investigation into alleged ‘secret perks’ paid to Premier League football players by their clubs.

According to a report in the Mail on Sunday, HMRC investigators have interviewed finance directors at several top clubs and have also sent a ‘football clubs employment issues questionnaire’ to at least 24 clubs.

The newspaper says the clubs and players are being asked for details of a range of benefits which could be liable to both tax and National Insurance Contribution payments. These include first-class flights, holidays, accommodation, company cars, use of club credit cards, health care and private security.

HMRC has refused to confirm the reports that its High Net Worth unit is targeting top level footballers, saying it cannot comment on individual cases.