A record number of footballers, clubs and agents in England are being investigated over tax payments. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is investigating the tax affairs of 330 footballers, 55 clubs and 80 agents, up from 173 players, 40 clubs and 38 agents in January 2019. He said winding-up petitions were so HMRC could pursue clubs normally for unpaid NICs. "Because HMRC are down the list of football creditors [if a club were to go into administration] they tend to pursue winding-up petitions to make sure HMRC is paid. "They are also making a statement to football clubs and the industry to have a deterrent effect.

Source: BBC March 03, 2020 13:35 UTC