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    Ex-England ace Emile Heskey facing bankruptcy in latest battle with taxman

    FORMER England star Emile Heskey was facing bankruptcy last night in his latest battle with the taxman.The ex-Liverpool striker — whose net worth was estimated at £12million in 2009 — has had financial woes since joining a celebrity investment scheme now at the centre of a £1.6billion tax dispute.
    Emile Heskey is facing bankruptcy in his latest battle with the taxmanCredit: Getty
    The former England star has had financial woes since joining a celebrity investment schemeCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    He has been hit with a High Court bankruptcy petition filed by HMRC — setting off alarms for a string of VIPs.
    Dad-of-six Heskey, 45, was last year found to have defaulted on £92,000 of tax while working as a football development officer between 2017 and 2020.
    He was handed a £42,000 penalty.
    Meanwhile, the trendy bar he ran with wife Chantelle in posh Alderley Edge, Cheshire, was wound up by the courts with £163,000 of debts.
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    It was unclear whether the court case arrears were related to the investment scheme or his business flop.
    Heskey has recently been involved in the running of Leicester City’s women’s team and supporting the England under-18s squad.
    The tax scheme was among those run by Ingenious Media, a financing company which funded more than 60 movies.
    David Beckham, Ant and Dec and Robbie Williams are among the famous names who pumped in cash, with a minimum £50,000 stake required.
    Most read in Football
    Clients were said to have been able to claim tax relief against most of their payment.
    Other stars linked to the scheme included Liverpool greats Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher and ex-Newsnight host Jeremy Paxman.
    Gerrard and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber were among investors reported in 2019 to be suing HSBC for “dishonestly assisting” Ingenious Media.
    Take That singers Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen have already repaid £20million.
    They insisted they had paid significant tax and believed the investments were legitimate enterprises.
    But Barlow later admitting it was “the stupidest thing I have ever done”.
    HMRC and Heskey were approached for comment. More

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    I made £40,000 a WEEK as a Premier League star and captained my country at World Cup… now I can’t even afford a phone

    A PREMIER league star was raking it in on £40,000 a week during his playing days but now can’t even afford a phone.In the mid 2000s Lucas Neill was a footballing hero as captain of West Ham and played in the 2006 World Cup.
    Lucas Neill played 79 games for West Ham and captained the sideCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Neill in action for West Ham against Spurs in April 2009Credit: Getty
    He was living the high life too, with a Ferrari in his garage and holidays in the Maldives.
    Nowadays, Neill, 45, lives a very different life having gone bankrupt and was recently facing three years behind bars as he stood trial for failing to declare money he never knew he had.
    He had been accused of concealing more than £2million from creditors.
    As he battled his financial problems the lights would often go out because he didn’t have the money to top up his pay-as-you-go meter.
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    Last Monday though, a jury at Preston Crown Court took just 26 minutes to acquit him of the charges.
    Neill told The Times: “I’ve won my freedom, but I feel like I’ve lost in life.”
    During his financial hardship, his wife Lindsey Morris, a beauty therapist and personal trainer, became the breadwinner, as he only had his £900-a-month footballer’s pension.
    He blames himself completely for his financial ruin.
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    Neill, who is a dad-of-two, said: “I feel like I didn’t protect my family… And that hurts. I let my family down.”
    The Professional Footballers’ Association has warned that between 10 to 20 per cent of professional players go bankrupt when they retire.
    Nell had been advised to pump vast sums of money into a scheme which gave the promise of investing in British films in return for a huge tax break.
    The scheme appeared to be legitimate and were pushed heavily by accountants and financial advisers and the government had championed the investment tax relief.
    But the taxman eventually came sniffing around and forced those who invested in them to repay the money they claimed, which in many cases totalled up to tens of thousands of pounds.
    Neill said: “People say they want to advise you. Help you. People just constantly want to take a tiny slice out of you. Telling you they’re going to add value to what they’re doing. That’s just a lesson for all footballers.”
    He added: “Do you need these professional financial advisers? I was very successful in the world of football, but I clearly wasn’t ready for this other world — the world of business. And I’ve learnt the hard way.”
    HMRC told him he owed £400,000 and he had to sell seven or eight properties, losing money on each one, to pay it back.
    He then defaulted on a NatWest loan he had taken out to pay for a barn near Newcastle, which was held in an offshore fund.
    Neill was left owing the bank £737,000 – and was declared bankrupt in 2016.
    He said: “People couldn’t believe it, but I had nothing left. That was my rock bottom.
    “After 20 years of a football career and all this hard work, I’ve got nothing to show for it.”
    During a meeting with the insolvency service he was meant to list all his assets, but forgot to mention the 144 acres of land he had bought around the barn.
    The insolvency service investigated Neill for seven years, so he was unable to own his own home, or even take out a mobile phone contract.
    When he went bankrupt, the repossessed 144 acres was sold for £3m by a lender and after the loan was settled, the remaining £2.1m was put into Neill’s offshore trust.
    Neill claims he never knew about this but the insolvency service accused him of hiding the money from his bankruptcy proceedings.
    Now he has been found not guilty he is starting to rebuild his life and he also wants to find out what happened to the offshore funds.
    His defence lawyer, Joseph Kotrie Monson, of Mary Monson Solicitors, said: “Why would somebody ever put their family through all the pressure of bankruptcy, if they knew they had enough money in a bank account to pay off the debt and still have a million left over?”
    He’s now coaching women and girls at a football club and working as a project manager for a local digital firm.
    Neill also captained his national side AustraliaCredit: AFP
    Having been acquitted of the charges, Neill, seen here in 2015, is now rebuilding his lifeCredit: Getty More

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    Football clubs and players ordered to pay record £166million in unpaid tax last season

    FOOTIE clubs and players coughed up a record £165.8million in unpaid tax last season, figures reveal.It included £124.8million from clubs and a whopping £37.7million from stars.
    A staggering £165 million was recoverd by HMRC from football clubs and players in unpaid taxCredit: Alamy
    And it is the most recovered since a tax avoidance probe into the sport was launched in 2015.
    Figured obtained by The Sun on Sunday show a record 384 footballers are under investigation for tax avoidance — up from 329 last year.
    Some 27 clubs and 82 agents are also being probed.
    Players who paid up include stars in the Premier League, where clubs have spent £2.44billion on new players for this season, which is liable for VAT.
    READ MORE ON TAX
    Arsenal paid West Ham £105million for Declan Rice.
    And Chelsea topped that with £115million for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
    The probe by HM Revenue & Customs has recovered £725million in all. It is part of a crackdown on tax avoidance linked to image rights deals.
    Cash is paid to a firm set up by a player — subject to 19 per cent corporation tax not 45 per cent income tax.
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    Clubs also pay agents commission which HMRC aims to tax. More

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    England football legend avoided bankruptcy with 11th-hour payment to HMRC

    FORMER Liverpool and England footballer John Barnes has avoided bankruptcy with an 11th-hour payment to the taxman.An HMRC official told an insolvency and companies court yesterday that the money he owed had been paid in full.
    John Barnes has avoided bankruptcy with an 11th-hour payment to the taxmanCredit: PA
    A hearing in February was adjourned to allow “settlement negotiations”.
    Megan Vanderhook, who represented HMRC, indicated that Barnes, 59, owed at least £200,000.
    She told that hearing  the ex-Watford ace had repaid £100,000.
    Barnes was not in court yesterday, instead represented by his barrister.
    Read More on John Barnes
    The Jamaica-born midfielder has since tried his hand as a manager, author, commentator and pundit.
    He was declared bankrupt in 2009 over tax debts just days after being fired as head coach at Tranmere Rovers.
    At the time, Barnes said the issue was a “tax oversight”.
    The order was later rescinded.
    Most read in Football
    According to Land Registry documents, the World in Motion rapper was also the subject of bankruptcy petitions in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2019. More

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    Match of the Day host Gary Lineker wins £4.9million tax battle with HMRC

    MATCH of the Day host Gary Lineker has won a £4.9million tax battle.HMRC had claimed he should have been classed as an employee of the BBC and BT Sport for presenting duties, rather than as a freelancer.
    Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has won a £4.9million tax battle with HMRCCredit: PA
    The taxman pursued him for £4.9million it said was owed on his income between 2013 and 2018.
    But Gary, 62, insisted all taxes were paid on the income via a partnership set up in 2012 with then-wife Danielle Bux.
    Legislation called IR35 tackles tax avoidance by so-called disguised employees, who charge for services via limited firms.
    But tribunal judge John Brooks found that because Lineker had direct contracts with both the BBC and BT Sport, IR35 did not apply in this case.

    HMRC may appeal.
    It comes amid recent controversy surrounding a tweet from Lineker that the BBC originally deemed to be in breach of their guidelines.
    Lineker took to Twitter to hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans migrants who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain.
    He tweeted: “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s, and I’m out of order?”
    Most read in Football
    The comment attracted criticism from MPs and was branded “offensive” by the Home Secretary.
    But bosses later apologised to Lineker and announced he would return to hosting duties. More

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    Leading Premier League club being investigated over offshore payment to agents after using foreign ‘sister’ clubs

    A LEADING Premier League club is being investigated by the FA and HMRC for making offshore payments to agents.The outfit have been using some of their foreign ‘partner’ teams to disguise money paid for deals coming into their own playing squads in England.
    A Premier League club is being investigated by the FA and HMRC over payments to foreign ‘sister’ clubsCredit: Reuters
    The FA have been working with the taxman following checks on payments made through their own ‘clearing’ system and after complaints from other agents who knew of the practice.
    The  club  have   been   paying agents fees from their European partners, often as scouting agreements.
    This has seen large sums involved going to agencies rather than paying them here for their part in genuine transfers.
    I understand as many as SIXTEEN deals are being scrutinised to check the money trails involved in moves that have been flagged up.
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    Many Premier League club owners have satellite teams.
    And they are allowed to use this advantage to loan players or groom younger stars for a career in the top flight here.
    However, in this case the rogue outfit have disguised the fees.
    This means they have been keeping their Financial Fair Play costs and the tax bills of agents down in this country.
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    HMRC are also taking an interest in any findings if it is proved there has been wrongdoing.
    But the FA are currently taking the lead and have the power to fine the club heavily.
    And with many transfers under review, it could be a SEVEN-FIGURE penalty once the probe is over. More

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    Newcastle United call in lawyers to fight multi-million pound bill for alleged tax evasion

    NEWCASTLE United have called in lawyers to fight a multi-million pound bill for alleged tax evasion.Directors are appealing against the HMRC demand, thought to be about £5million.
    Newcastle United have called in lawyers to fight a multi-million pound bill for alleged tax evasion – pictured Mike AshleyCredit: PA
    It stems from a probe in 2017 during retail tycoon Mike ­Ashley’s reign when investigators visited club premises.
    HMRC accused the club of extensive tax evasion on player transfers.
    Deals between 2011 and 2013 involving Senegal aces Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse and France star Moussa Sissoko came under the scope of Operation Loom.
    That criminal investigation was later dropped but the club are still facing a civil probe.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}EGG ON MY PLACE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Toon footie mates EGGED my pad after I grassed them up over stripper visits
    It centres on arrangements between the club, agents and players which allegedly led to the evasion of tax.
    A civil probe can land a company with huge fines.
    But the club’s latest accounts, published this week, reveal they are appealing against the figure demanded by HMRC and have placed the matter with lawyers.
    The accounts state: “Newcastle United received claims from HMRC relating to alleged underpayment of tax and national insurance, and interest.
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    “The amount claimed by HMRC has been assessed by the directors.
    “Appeals have been lodged against these assessments and the matter remains in the hands of the group’s legal advisers.”
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}OH TOT .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I was a lobster-eating millionaire at 6, now I’m 15 you’ll be stunned by my wealth
    Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund sealed a £300million takeover of the club last year.
    United declined to comment.
    Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund sealed a £300million takeover of the club last yearCredit: AFP or licensors More

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    English footie clubs racked up tax debts worth over £140 million since pandemic

    FOOTBALL clubs in England have racked up tax debts of £140million-plus in the pandemic.Sixty clubs in the Premier League and English Football League have the debt, figures obtained by The Sun show.
    Footie clubs in England have racked up tax debts worth over £140 million since the start of the pandemicCredit: Alamy
    Premier League clubs owe £49.5million in unpaid taxes including VAT.
    EFL clubs owe £91.8million in accrued taxes, with £64million in the Championship, £24.9million in League One and £2.9million in League Two.
    The taxman would not identify any of the clubs involved but it is understood that Wayne Rooney’s Derby County owes £28million.
    HMRC confirmed that repayment agreements have been struck so clubs are not in arrears.

    It is understood that Wayne Rooney’s Championship outfit Derby County owe £28million to HMRCCredit: Getty
    Ninety-three footballers, nine clubs and 23 agents to be investigated over £56 million of unpaid tax More