Serie A

SERIE A has lost the “Beckham Law” after tense discussions took place with the Italian government.The law, officially known as the Crescita Decree, let’s high income earners from foreign countries have a 50 per cent discount on their tax bill.
The Crescita Decree was coined the ‘Beckham Law’ after David Beckham made use of a similar rule in SpainCredit: Getty
AC Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani previously claimed ditching the law would be ‘the destruction of Italian football’Credit: Getty
It is thought to attract foreign footballers to the Italian leagues and helps to increase competitiveness across Italy’s top flight.
The ruling is remarkably similar to the “Beckham Law” in Spain which allows high income foreign earners to pay just 24% income tax for their first six years in the country.
The tax decree was coined the “Beckham Law” after David Beckham became one of the most notable foreigners to take advantage of it after he moved to Real Madrid in 2003.
But the Italian equivalent will no longer stand after discussions in the Italian Council of Ministers have led to the rule being binned.
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The change will come as a big shock to a number of Serie A clubs who rely on the law to attract the best talents from around the world.
Back in November the CEO of AC Milan, Giorgio Furlani, made his stance on the proposed changes clear.
He said: “Stopping the benefits of the Crescita Decree will be the destruction of Italian football.”
While other bigwigs in the Italian game have reacted with similar outrage since the announcement to end the law was made.
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Lazio president, Claudio Lotito, told Notizie: “They [the government] will realise their mistake. The state will not receive money either.
“If you attract a foreigner who pays taxes in Italy, it will be better than one who does not come and pays nothing, right? Our league will lose competitiveness!”
He went on to explain that the rule change could see some of Europe’s biggest teams collapse.
He said: “Some clubs will be destroyed, and in the middle there are Milan, Juventus and Roma.”
While those from the footballing world are left seething and concerned about a lack of competitiveness in the league, Italian politicians were more concerned about the bigger picture.
One slammed the idea of keeping the law in place as “immoral” when discussions were ongoing in the Council of Ministers.
Lazio President Claudio Lotito has also spoken out against the law changeCredit: Getty More

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC soaked up the sun as he enjoyed a Christmas holiday in Florida. The 42-year-old stripped down to his swimming trunks while at Miami Beach on Boxing Day.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic wore his swimming trunks and stylish sunglasses while at Miami BeachCredit: Splash
The retired star was seen playing footballCredit: The Mega Agency
He soaked up the sun on Boxing DayCredit: Splash
Zlatan also went for a swim in the seaCredit: Splash
Ibrahimovic retired from football at the end of last season but proved he hasn’t lost his skills while kicking a ball around the sand.
He was also seen buying a drink at a bar, going for a dip in the sea and posing for photos with fans.

The Swede was joined by his family, including wife Helena Seger in Miami.
Ibrahimovic has jetted off to the United States, taking a break from his new job in football.
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The ex-Manchester United striker has returned to his former club AC Milan as a senior adviser.
It was announced earlier this month that he has joined RedBird Capital Partners, who own the Italian club.
He is expected to work in a role helping AC Milan’s football operations and with their brand image.
On his new job, Ibrahimovic said: “I am extremely grateful to be joining both RedBird and AC Milan in these important and influential role.
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“I look forward to contributing to their investing activities across their sports, media and entertainment properties.
“My love for the Rossoneri will never die and the opportunity to be a part of its future in a meaningful way is something I could only have dreamed of.”
Zlatan is not the only ex-United star to unwind in a luxury location this Christmas.
Rio Ferdinand and his family are in the Maldives.
Meanwhile, David Beckham shared a festive snap from his Cotswolds mansion.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic relaxed at the beach with his wife Helena SegerCredit: The Mega Agency
Zlatan has landed a new job at AC MilanCredit: The Mega Agency
He says his love for AC Milan will ‘never die’Credit: Splash More