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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.
    Read More on West Ham
    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.
    Most read in Football
    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.
    Most read in Football
    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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Chelsea for Sterling, Lewandowski UPDATE
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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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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

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    England stars set for £50,000 pay rise thanks to FA’s new deal with taxman

    ENGLAND stars are set for a huge pay boost as they get fired up for Euro glory — thanks to a new deal with the taxman.Three Lions aces have been the subject of an inquiry over image rights cash paid to them by the FA which would see them pay more tax.
    Harry Kane could net an extra £75,000 from the dealCredit: Alamy
    But HMRC chiefs and the FA are likely to resolve the months-long issue before the curtain-raiser with Croatia at Wembley next Sunday.
    And the breakthrough could hand them a 50 per cent image pay hike plus bonuses within days — worth as much as an extra £75,000 to top stars like captain Harry Kane.
    A source close to the negotiations said last night: “For England’s stars and the taxman this deal hits the back of the net, and couldn’t come at a better time.
    “Some players may see their gross image rights earnings nearly double.
    “The FA will be the big losers because they will foot the bill to avoid the headache of having to sort out tax issues for everyone in the squad. But the extra dosh should put a spring in the players’ step.”
    Champions League winner Mason Mount will benefit from the image rights dealCredit: Getty
    Image rights of up to £100,000-a-year are paid to stars based on the number of times they are selected for squads, rather than caps.
    These huge sums are paid on top of playing fees, which players donate to charity.
    The FA has previously not been obliged to pay national insurance or income tax on these payments.
    But HMRC want the footballers to pay the 45 per cent top rate tax instead of 19 per cent through limited companies which they do now.
    The extra cash from the FA is to offset the higher amount of tax they would pay to HMRC chiefs.
    Experts estimated that the current £4million-a-year the FA pays out in image rights will rise to around £6million once the deal is done.
    Regulars like Spurs idol Harry will see their rights money ramped up to cover the extra tax burden to around £150,000-a-year — £50,000 more than he is currently paid.
    Jack Grealish could see his England earnings nearly doubleCredit: Getty
    But that could be topped up with an estimated £25,000 annual fee to cover the cost of extra tax return work — making it an extra £75,000 for Kane.
    Chelsea’s 22-year-old Champions League-winning star Mason Mount can expect a similar windfall.
    Mount, picked for nine squads by manager Gareth Southgate, has earned around £90,000 but under the new system would earn £135,000 plus the £25,000 accounting fee to cover his tax.
    Aston Villa wizard Jack Grealish, 25, should see his estimated earnings rise from around £70,000 to £130,000-a-year plus possible extras for promotional work.
    Tax expert Jim Lee, a former semi-pro footballer, said: “It’s good to see this cleared up so our boys can focus on winning the Euros.
    “They’re all multi-millionaires in any case and I’m sure they’d happily play for England for nothing.
    “If sorting this out in time for the tournament gives the Exchequer a boost and hands the players a bonus, then good luck to them.”
    Football finance expert Gerald Krasner, from Begbies Traynor added: “HMRC are closing a loophole that has existed for years.
    Gareth Southgate’s England kick off their Euro 2020 campaign next weekendCredit: Getty

    “They are saying that image rights payments are earned here and so should be taxed as income at full UK rates.”
    FA sources confirmed that chiefs had been working with the players to ensure image rights payments were appropriately taxed.
    A FA spokesman said: “We’d never comment on financial or commercial matters relating to players.”
    Gareth Southgate talks about Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson’s chances of playing in the Euros More