HMRC investigations into footballers jump dramatically in 2019/20

Issues surrounding image rights

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 2 min read

The tax affairs of 246 footballers were investigated by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in the 2019/2020 tax year, nearly trebling year-on-year, according to research by accountancy network UHY Hacker Young.

The number of footballers being investigated by the taxman rose dramatically in 2019/20, up from 87 individuals in the previous year. The number of investigations into the tax affairs of football agents also rose dramatically, more than doubling from 23 in 2018/19 to 55 in 2019/20. The number of players under investigation is the equivalent of nearly ten 25-man squads. According to UHY Hacker Young, the increase tallies with greater interest in the image rights regularly negotiated by players as an extension to their salary. Image rights allow a club to use the name and likeness of...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax planning

Incoming IHT on pensions drives gifting surge

Incoming IHT on pensions drives gifting surge

Affluent individuals change behaviour

Jen Frost
clock 30 June 2026 • 2 min read
Pensions and IHT: Why clients can't afford to wait

Pensions and IHT: Why clients can't afford to wait

April 2027 sees unused pension funds come under the scope of IHT

Reena Bhudia
clock 30 June 2026 • 5 min read
'A lot of fear out there': SJP's Claire Trott on IHT on pensions

'A lot of fear out there': SJP's Claire Trott on IHT on pensions

‘Any change drives advice’, head of advice says

Sophia Panayi
clock 29 June 2026 • 3 min read