Wednesday, April 26

Hammers raided by the taxman

Blimey. Just when you thought the season was ending with a whimper. Breaking news is that West Ham's offices at the London Stadium were raided at this morning by 50 HMRC officers investigating tax and national insurance fraud. Documents, computers and phones have been taken. A number of men "in the football industry" have been arrested, though these seem to be at Newcastle. The French tax authorities are helping with the investigation so it sounds like it relates to deals with French clubs. Newcastle United have also been raided. Just hope it's not something the football authorities might deduct points for. Nurse, the screens.

2 comments:

matt said...

Never dull at West Ham, is it...No arrests at the London Stadium though. Who knows where this will lead, but there won't be points deducted as this isn't an offence under football's rules (like playing an unregistered player)...

Pete May said...

Hopefully not, though David Conn in today's Guardian seems to think it might be possible for authorities to deduct points if very serious offences. Though would be some years down the line and at sped HMRC instigate and if it's image rights most clubs pay players for these.