The taxman - or, more formally, HM Revenue and Customs - gets more flak than praise. But I totally agree with the Guardian's David Conn for supporting HMRC's refusal to allow football clubs to wriggle out of their tax bill when they hit hard times financially.
Conn's article was about Leeds United's failure to overturn the 25 point deduction the Football League imposed when they went into administration without agreeing a company voluntary agreement (CVA). Under a CVA, a club's creditors agree to accept less than the total amount they are owed. But HMRC won't accept less than the total tax liability, which means that it can scupper a CVA. Without a CVA, the Football League will deduct an additional 15 points on top of the 10 point deduction for going into administration.
Conn rightly points out that footballers still get paid every penny of their inflated salaries - and clubs pick up those breathtaking transfer fees - regardless of a club going into administration. Like Conn, I think it outrageous that football continues to live the high life way beyond its means - yet expects St John Ambulance and the local community to write off money that is rightfully theirs. HMRC is absolutely correct not to let football off the hook. After all, it's our money that's at stake.
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