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

Labour leadership contest: What a change could mean for IHT on pensions

Labour leadership contest: What a change could mean for IHT on pensions

Advisers warned against banking on U-turn

Jen Frost
clock 28 May 2026 • 6 min read
Tax-efficient investments: Client needs that cannot be ignored

Tax-efficient investments: Client needs that cannot be ignored

'The reality is that tax planning is fast becoming the dominant theme of advice'

Andrew Aldridge
clock 27 May 2026 • 5 min read
IHT on pensions: 'HMRC wants to have its cake and eat it'

IHT on pensions: 'HMRC wants to have its cake and eat it'

IHT on pensions comes into effect in April 2027

Andrew Tully
clock 26 May 2026 • 4 min read